Siyue Cai , Qiongdan Li

Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China
Author    Correspondence author
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

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.

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)

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.

Snow cover; Soil moisture; Plant growth; Climate change; Temperate ecosystems