MATE study highlights impact of soil sealing on water and heat

Researchers at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) have published a study in the journal Urban Science regarding the hydrological impact of soil sealing and urbanization. The study, which utilized meteorological data from 1971 to 2024, highlights how paved surfaces prevent precipitation from infiltrating the soil, contributing to the “urban heat island” effect.

According to the research, between 0.14 and 0.29 cubic kilometers of precipitation annually in Hungary cannot reach the soil due to built-up areas. If this water were able to infiltrate and evaporate from the soil, it could provide approximately 400 petajoules of cooling energy nationwide. This equates to an average cooling effect of 145 MJ/m², roughly equivalent to the energy consumed by a domestic air conditioner running at maximum capacity for 10 to 13 hours.

In addition to urban planning concerns, the increasing frequency of droughts in Hungary poses significant risks to agriculture. Key indicators of water deficiency include soil cracking, changes in soil texture, and plant symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Early detection of these signs is critical for preventing crop loss and permanent damage to vegetation.