Every Year World Soil Day is observed on 5th December. It is the day which highlights the importance of healthy soil and advocate for the sustainable management of soil resourced. It was initiated by the United Nations of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This day serves as a remainder of the vital role that soil plays in ensuring food security, supporting biodiversity and combating climate change.

The theme of World Soil Day 2024 is “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage”. It emphasizes the need to protect and restore soil, which forms the foundation of the life on Earth. Let’s explore the significance of this day.

Why do we celebrate World Soil Day?

1. Date and Recognition

• People observe World Soil Day on December 5th to mark the birth anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, a champion of soil conservation efforts.
• It was officially endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 following the initiative by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).

2. Objective

• To raise awareness about the importance of healthy soils for food production, biodiversity and climate regulation.
• To promote sustainable soil management practices to combat challenges like soil erosion, pollution and degradation.

3. 2024 Theme of World Soil Day

The theme for World Soil Day 2024 is “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage”.

Importance of Soil

1. Role of Soil in Ecosystems

• Soil supports agriculture. Farmers produce over 95% of the world’s food in the soil.
• It is home to billions of micro-organisms which includes bacteria, fungi and other vital organisms.
• Soil can be termed as Carbon Sink. It stores three times more carbon than the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

2. Soil Degradation Statistics

• The FAO reports that erosion, deforestation, and pollution have already degraded about 33% of the Earth’s soil.
• According to research of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), India loses 5,334 million tons of soil annually due to erosion.

3. Soil Classification in India

The major soils found in India are:

• Alluvial Soil: They are found in Indo-Gangetic Plains. They are highly fertile soils.
• Black Soil: They are found in Deccan Plateau. Black soil is suitable for cotton cultivation.
• Red Soil: They are found in southern and eastern India. These kinds of soil are rich in iron and poor in Nitrogen.
• Laterite Soil: Found in tropical regions with high rainfall.

Challenges to Soil Health

Some of the major challenges that soil faces are:

1. Soil Erosion: Removal of top layer of soil by wind, water or human activities. It makes the soil less fertile.
2. Soil Pollution: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers, industrial waste, plastic contamination and pesticide overuse makes the soil polluted.
3. Urbanization and Soil Sealing: Covering fertile soil with concrete leads to soil sealing.
4. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall disrupt soil ecosystems and reduce fertility.

Key Initiatives and Measures

Global Initiatives

1. World Soil Charter (2015): Framework by FAO for promoting sustainable soil management globally.
2. Global Soil Partnership: A platform to develop national soil policies and enhance soil data systems.
3. Sustainable Development Goals: Life on Land, emphasizes combating soil degradation and desertification.

National Initiatives

1. Soil Health and Card Scheme (2015): Life on Land, emphasizes combating soil degradation and desertification.
2. Pradhan mantri Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY): Promotes organic farming to reduce dependence on chemical inputs and improve soil health.
3. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Aims to enhance soil quality and water use efficiency through sustainable practices.
4. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) : Focuses on soil and water conservation projects.

Read Also: Worms: Unsung Engineers of Our Ecosystem

Conclusion

World Soil Day is a crucial reminder to safeguard and restore the soils of the planet for future generations. Understanding the role of soil in agriculture, biodiversity, and climate regulation is essential, along with recognizing the global and national efforts to address soil degradation.