How do changes in soil properties under elevated CO₂ and temperature affect the bioavailability of essential minerals in legumes cultivated on semi-arid alfisols, and what implications does this have for human nutrition and food security?
Changes in soil properties under elevated CO₂ and temperature can significantly affect the bioavailability of essential minerals in legumes cultivated on semi-arid alfisols. Increased atmospheric CO₂ typically leads to a rise in plant biomass, but it also alters soil pH, which can reduce the availability of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Higher temperatures can exacerbate soil moisture stress, impacting root function and nutrient uptake. Together, these factors can enhance or limit mineral availability, depending on the specific mineral and the soil’s buffering capacity. In semi-arid alfisols, nutrient availability is often constrained by limited water and nutrient retention, and while elevated CO₂ might increase legume growth, it could lead to imbalances in essential micronutrients like iron and zinc, affecting their bioavailability for plants. Therefore, the interactive effects of CO₂ and temperature on soil chemistry need to be carefully considered to understand their full impact on the nutritional quality of legumes in these environments.