Supporting Services
Soil Formation
Soil formation is a fundamental ecosystem service that involves the creation and maintenance of soil through natural processes. This service is driven by the weathering of rocks, the accumulation of organic matter, and the activity of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. Soil formation is essential for providing a medium for plant growth, regulating water flow, and supporting biodiversity. For example, decomposing plant material contributes to the formation of humus, which enriches the soil with nutrients and improves its structure.
Stats - It can take up to 1,000 years to produce 1cm of fertile soil.
Increasing Risk
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Increasing Risk 〰️
Boundary - Without significant changes to our agricultural practices, we are fast approaching the planetary boundary on soil formation.
Cost - $101,000,000,000 USD annually.
Nutrient Cycling
Nutrient cycling refers to the movement and exchange of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium through the environment. This service is facilitated by various biological, chemical, and physical processes within ecosystems. Microorganisms in the soil, such as bacteria and fungi, play a critical role in decomposing organic matter and releasing nutrients back into the soil, making them available for plant uptake. Efficient nutrient cycling ensures the fertility of soils, supports plant growth and maintains ecosystem productivity and resilience.
Stats - Approximately 100 to 180 million metric tons of nitrogen are fixed annually through natural processes.
Increasing Risk
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Increasing Risk 〰️
Boundary - Processes such as ammonification, nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen fixation are all at risk of being altered by climate change.
Cost - $32,443,000,000,000 USD annually.
Primary Production
Primary production is the process by which plants, algae, and other photosynthetic organisms convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This service forms the food web base, providing the energy necessary for all other life forms. Primary producers, such as trees in forests, grasses in grasslands, and phytoplankton in oceans, capture solar energy and convert it into biomass, which is then consumed by herbivores and higher trophic levels. Primary production is vital for ecosystem functioning, carbon sequestration, and supporting biodiversity, agriculture, and fisheries.
Stats - Phytoplankton, microscopic algae in the ocean, are responsible for approximately 50% of the Earth's primary production.
Safe Space
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Safe Space 〰️
Boundary - Primary production is predicted to decline by 4-11% by 2100 under current industrial practices.
Cost - Not measured.