Increasing importance of the water storage function of soils under changing climate

There are many uncertainties in “global” climate changes (direction, rate, seasonal and geographical distribution) and in the prediction of their environmental, ecological, economical and even social consequences. All prognoses, however, forecast the increasing risk, frequency, duration and intensity (seriousness) of irregular, extreme climatic and hydrological events and moisture situations. In their prevention or reduction the water storage function of soil has special significance. Consequently, all efforts have to be taken for its more efficient use: helping the infiltration and storage of water in soils. Permanent soil moisture control may help to prevent, or at least reduce undesirable soil processes and their harmful economical/ecological/environmental/social consequences; and may fulfil the conditions of the “quality maintenance” of soil, this “conditionally renewable” natural resource, which is an important element of sustainable development, including the adaption to and mitigation of climate changes