The importance of soils in biodiversity has not been as widely researched as plants and animals have been, but studies are now showing that soil is just as important. A recent study published by Nature Communications – which tested microbial diversity in soil found in drylands – has found a link between the aridity of soil, microorganisms and climate change. The study concludes that drylands will increase by at least a tenth before 2100, which would be harmful not only to the natural environment but to human settlements on or near these drylands. Dr Brajesh Singh from Western Sydney University joined us on the daily to outline the problem and what the possible solutions could be.

Produced by Maddy Macquine-Abbott