Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 109-117 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 109 Systematic Review Open Access Snow Cover Dynamics: Impacts on Soil Moisture and Plant Growth in Temperate Ecosystems Siyue Cai, Qiongdan Li Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: qiongdan.li@cuixi.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0012 Received: 17 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 29 Apr., 2024 Published: 14 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Cai and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Cai S.Y., and Li Q.D., 2024, Snow cover dynamics: impacts on soil moisture and plant growth in temperate ecosystems, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(3): 109-117 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0012) Abstract Snow cover is a crucial natural phenomenon in temperate ecosystems, significantly influencing soil moisture regulation and plant growth cycles. With the intensification of global climate change, the seasonal patterns and distribution of snow cover are undergoing shifts that may have substantial long-term effects on ecosystem functionality and biodiversity. This study delves into the complex dynamics of snow cover, examining its seasonal variations and the multifaceted impacts of factors such as climate change and geographical differences. At its core, this research explores how snow cover aids in soil moisture retention, facilitates water infiltration through snowmelt mechanisms, and affects soil temperature regimes, thereby influencing plant dormancy and germination cycles. Through comprehensive analysis of case studies across different temperate regions and comparative assessments across various temperate zones, this study aims to highlight the critical role of snow in maintaining ecosystem functions and to inform future research directions and conservation practices. Keywords Snow cover; Soil moisture; Plant growth; Climate change; Temperate ecosystems 1 Introduction Snow cover plays a crucial role in temperate ecosystems, influencing a wide range of ecological and environmental processes. The accumulation and melting of snow determine ground temperature, light conditions, and moisture availability during winter, which in turn affect the timing of the growing season and the availability of nutrients for plants (Rixen et al., 2022). Snow cover dynamics are driven by various factors, including atmospheric conditions, wind-driven processes, and topographical features, which contribute to the spatial and temporal variability of snow accumulation and melt (Mott et al., 2018). Understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting the impacts of changing snow regimes on ecosystems. In temperate ecosystems, snow cover acts as an insulating layer that protects soil and plant roots from extreme cold, thereby maintaining soil microbial activity and nutrient cycling during winter (Rumpf et al., 2014). The depth and duration of snow cover influence soil moisture levels, which are critical for plant growth and productivity in the subsequent growing season (Wang et al., 2018; Moriana-Armendariz et al., 2022). Changes in snow cover can lead to shifts in vegetation composition, plant phenology, and soil nutrient status, with cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. For instance, reduced snow depth often results in increased plant mortality and physical injury, while earlier snowmelt can advance spring phenology in plants and other organisms (Slatyer et al., 2020; Slatyer et al., 2021). This study aims to synthesize the current knowledge on the effects of snow cover dynamics on soil moisture and plant growth in temperate ecosystems. Specifically, to study how changes in snow cover depth and melting time affect soil moisture levels and nutrient availability; Identify the mechanisms behind these responses and their impact on ecosystem functioning. By integrating the results of multiple studies, it is beneficial to fully understand the role of snow cover in temperate ecosystems and highlight research gaps that need to be addressed to improve the prediction of ecosystem responses to future climate change.
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