Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 109-117 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 114 6.2 Case studies highlighting specific impacts on local ecosystems A study from 2001 to 2015 investigated the effects of winter snow depth and snowmelt date on GPP across temperate China. It was found that thicker snow cover and later snowmelt increased soil moisture, leading to earlier SGS and enhanced spring carbon uptake in water-limited areas. However, in wetter regions, these conditions delayed SGS and reduced spring GPP. A 5-year snow manipulation experiment in a temperate grassland showed that deepened winter snow increased soil moisture in early growing season, particularly in deeper soil layers. This led to increased NEE and stabilized plant community composition, with a significant increase in root biomass (Li et al., 2020). Long-term snowfence experiments increased snow depth, resulting in higher winter soil temperatures and enhanced growth of the evergreen shrub Rhododendron subarcticum. However, this also led to reduced soil carbon and nutrient pools, indicating complex interactions between snow cover and ecosystem processes. A 2-year field experiment above the treeline investigated the effects of decreased snow depth and earlier snowmelt on plant phenology and growth. Earlier snowmelt advanced the start of the growing season but also increased the number of low-temperature events experienced by plants, reducing aboveground growth in most species studied (Wipf et al., 2009). 6.3 Comparison of snow cover effects across various temperate zones Comparing the effects of snow cover across different temperate zones reveals both commonalities and region-specific responses. In temperate China, thicker snow cover generally enhances soil moisture and spring carbon uptake in water-limited areas, while in wetter regions, it can delay the growing season and reduce productivity (Christiansen et al., 2018). In semi-arid regions like Inner Mongolia, increased winter snowfall stabilizes plant communities and enhances belowground biomass, contributing to greater ecosystem stability. In the High Arctic, later snowmelt leads to higher soil moisture and nutrient concentrations, resulting in distinct vegetation compositions compared to areas with earlier snowmelt. Similarly, in the Canadian Low Arctic, long-term deepened snow experiments promote the growth of evergreen shrubs but reduce soil carbon and nutrient pools, highlighting the complex interactions between snow cover and ecosystem processes. 7 Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies 7.1 Approaches to mitigate the impacts of reduced snow cover Mitigating the impacts of reduced snow cover in temperate ecosystems involves several strategies aimed at preserving soil moisture and protecting plant health. One effective approach is the manipulation of snow cover through artificial means, such as snow fences or snow redistribution techniques, which can help maintain adequate snow depth and insulation for the soil. For instance, long-term snow manipulation experiments have shown that increased snow cover can enhance soil moisture and stabilize plant community composition, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of reduced natural snowfall (Ósvaldsson et al., 2022). Another approach is the use of mulching and other ground cover techniques to simulate the insulating effects of snow. These methods can help reduce soil freezing and maintain soil moisture levels during winter months, thereby protecting plant roots and promoting healthy growth during the growing season (Sorensen et al., 2016; Ósvaldsson et al., 2022). 7.2 Adaptation strategies for maintaining soil moisture and plant health Adaptation strategies focus on enhancing the resilience of ecosystems to changing snow cover patterns. One key strategy is the selection and cultivation of plant species that are more tolerant to soil freezing and moisture variability. For example, certain evergreen shrubs have shown increased growth and stability under conditions of deepened snow cover, suggesting that these species may be more resilient to changes in snow dynamics (Christiansen et al., 2018). Additionally, improving soil structure and organic matter content can enhance soil moisture retention and reduce the negative impacts of soil freezing. Practices such as adding compost or organic mulches can improve soil health and water-holding capacity, thereby supporting plant growth even in the absence of consistent snow cover (Kreyling et al., 2012).
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