Glacier melting causes a shortage of irrigation water, increased soil erosion, and changes in its chemical and physical properties, leading to soil fertility degradation and difficulties in agricultural sustainability in affected areas.

According to experts, glaciers serve as a primary source of irrigation water during summer, and their accelerated melting reduces the water stored in ice, leading to a shortage of irrigation water necessary to maintain soil fertility and crop health.

With ice melting, soil loses its structural support, especially in mountainous areas, increasing soil flow and exposing it to erosion by water and wind. This erosion reduces the soil’s content of organic nutrients and essential minerals for agriculture.

Changes in weather patterns and precipitation cause fluctuations in soil moisture, with problems such as increased soil salinity or acidity due to changes in water and soil properties. The retreat of frozen layers (permafrost) can lead to loss of soil cohesion, contributing to agricultural environment disruption.

Glacier melting may also release organic pollutants and heavy metals previously trapped in the ice, which can affect soil quality and hinder the growth of agricultural plants.