What ecosystem services are lost through soil sealing?

Sealing of soils generally includes the removal of the top horizons, the addition of brick fragments, metal, concrete and other materials, followed by a layer of asphalt or other impermeable paving materials.

Soil sealing — particularly with completely impermeable surfaces like asphalt — significantly alters the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil beneath. The impermeable layer disconnects the underlying soil (lithosphere) from the air (atmosphere) and the water cycle (hydrosphere).

A range of ecosystem services are affected simultaneously: provisioning of food, wood and fibre; groundwater recharge; climate regulation; water purification; flood mitigation; and cultural heritage.