Scientists have identified a hidden environmental threat in the soil of cities

Scientists have discovered a hidden environmental risk in the soil cover of urban areas: soil compaction occurs under asphalt pavements, paving stones of courtyards and foundations of buildings, which can contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases. This was reported to Izvestia on August 28 at the Southern Federal University (SFU) with reference to a study conducted with the support of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation.

This process restricts the respiration of root systems and leads to degradation of vegetation cover, which can have a significant impact on the functioning of the global carbon cycle, the SFU noted.

"The chaotic redistribution of organic carbon in urban soils creates a hidden environmental threat. Organic matter trapped under asphalt or concrete pavement is partially excluded from the carbon cycle. Under anaerobic conditions, it can decompose to form methane, one of the most powerful greenhouse gases," said Pavel Skripnikov, project manager and SFU Junior Researcher.

In natural ecosystems, the formation of the soil profile occurs over thousands of years and resembles a "layer cake," the scientist explained. In the upper horizons, organic carbon accumulates — humus, which is formed as a result of the decomposition of plant residues. Stable humic compounds provide high agronomic value of soils and at the same time serve as a long-term carbon storage, reducing its concentration in the atmosphere and, consequently, slowing down the development of the greenhouse effect.

"In parks, groves and green areas, the distribution of carbon in the soil corresponded to the expected pattern: its content gradually decreased with depth. However, we found a marked violation of this order in residential and industrial areas," Skripnikov added.

Carbon-rich horizons could be at a depth of half a meter, while on the surface there were layers with minimal carbon content, the expert concluded.

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On August 6, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the document, by 2035, it is necessary to ensure a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 65-67% relative to 1990 levels, taking into account the maximum possible absorption capacity of forests and other natural ecological systems and subject to sustainable and balanced socio-economic development of the country. Environmental and climate conservation issues will be discussed at the upcoming Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) on September 3-6 in Vladivostok.

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