WORLD SOIL DAY
An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
Soil is often referred to as the “skin of the Earth” because, like our skin, it is a vital layer that supports life. It is the foundation for agriculture, providing a home for plant roots and supplying essential nutrients for their growth. Healthy soil is a diverse ecosystem teeming with microorganisms, insects, and other organisms that contribute to its fertility and overall well-being. Just as our skin protects us from external threats, soil acts as a barrier against erosion, filters water, and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s temperature.
Despite its importance, soil is facing unprecedented challenges. Human activities, such as deforestation, industrial agriculture, and urbanization, have led to soil degradation and loss. Soil erosion, depletion of nutrients, and contamination by pollutants threaten the productivity of agricultural lands. Climate change exacerbates these issues, with extreme weather events causing soil erosion and altering the composition of microbial communities. If left unaddressed, these challenges could have severe consequences for food security, biodiversity, and the overall health of our planet.
On World Soil Day, it is essential to emphasize the need for sustainable soil management practices. Adopting regenerative agriculture techniques, such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and agroforestry, can help improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Implementing soil conservation measures, such as terracing and contour plowing, can prevent erosion and protect vulnerable landscapes. Additionally, reducing the use of harmful chemicals and promoting organic farming can contribute to healthier soils and safer food production.
Education is a key component of ensuring the long-term health of our soils. World Soil Day provides an opportunity to engage communities, schools, and individuals in learning about the importance of soil conservation. By raising awareness about sustainable practices and the impact of human activities on soil health, we can empower future generations to become stewards of the land.
As we celebrate World Soil Day, let us reflect on the significance of this often overlooked resource. By recognizing the value of soil and adopting sustainable practices, we can contribute to a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations. Let this day serve as a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and governments worldwide to prioritize soil health and work together to safeguard the foundation beneath our feet.
World Soil Day 2023 (WSD) and its campaign aim to raise awareness of the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. WSD is a unique global platform that not only celebrates soils but also empowers and engages citizens around the world to improve soil health.
Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95 percent of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. Soil water is vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems.
However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life.
Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
(Author is Assistant Professor, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bandipora. Email: [email protected])
