Soil, the unsung hero beneath our feet, is often disregarded, despite being practically the foundation of life on earth. However, World Soil Day (WSD) observed annually on December 5, raises awareness of this important element. This day presents a global platform to demonstrate the importance of healthy soil and the sustainable management of its resources. Its observance not only highlights the critical role that soil plays in sustaining life on the earth but also addresses the pressing challenges of soil degradation and its impact on agriculture, crop cultivation, food security, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.
Origins of World Soil Day
The origins of World Soil Day can be traced back to a recommendation made by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. The proposal aimed to establish an international day dedicated to celebrating soil's vital contributions to the environment and well-being. The IUSS, therefore, recognized the urgent need to raise awareness about the importance of soil and the threats it faces, such as erosion, contamination, and degradation.
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Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand, this initiative gained momentum within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The proposal was formally adopted by the FAO in 2013, and the first World Soil Day was celebrated on December 5th, 2014.
The choice of this date is particularly significant as it coincides with the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who had been a strong advocate for soil conservation and sustainable land management. In 2016 this day was officially recognized in memory and with respect for this beloved monarch who passed away in October 2016.
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The Significance of Soil
Soil is often the unnoticed hero that sustains the world. This complex, living matrix of minerals, organic matter, and countless microorganisms is the foundation upon which all life depends. At the most fundamental level, soil provides the growing medium for the vast majority of the world's food crop supply—over 95% of all the food that humans consume. Soils also supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants. Without healthy, fertile soil, global food security would, therefore, collapse.
Still, soil's importance extends far outside its role in food production. It is a vital component of the earth's water cycle. It acts as a natural filtration system that purifies and replenishes groundwater supplies. The diverse microbial communities within the soil also play a critical role in the cycling of essential nutrients, breaking down organic matter, and making vital elements available to plants.
Furthermore, soil is a significant carbon sink, capable of sequestering vast amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This ability to mitigate climate change is increasingly important as people try to address the global environmental crisis. Healthy soils can also enhance the resilience of ecosystems, improving their ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters and the impacts of a changing climate.
But sadly, the soil is under threat from a variety of human-induced pressures, including unsustainable agricultural practices, urbanization, and industrial pollution. These human activities are leading to its degradation, with erosion disrupting the natural balance and reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life. Accordingly, addressing these threats and ensuring the long-term health of the world's soils is essential for the continued viability of life on the planet.
Importance of World Soil Day and Its Observance
It, now, is common knowledge that soil is a finite resource that plays an essential role in various ecological processes. It is crucial for food production, water filtration, carbon storage, and supporting biodiversity. And because it faces numerous challenges, World Soil Day aims to highlight these issues and promote its sustainable management practices.
Through raising awareness about the significance of healthy soils, World Soil Day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take action toward preserving this invaluable resource. The day prompts individuals to remember that healthy soils are foundational to achieving global goals related to food security, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability. Observance of the day, for that reason, incorporates educational campaigns which often include workshops, seminars, community events, and online activities to engage citizens in soil health discussions.
Each year, World Soil Day is centered around a specific theme that addresses current challenges related to soil health. These themes guide global activities to educate people about sustainable practices such as crop rotation, minimum tillage, organic farming, and cover cropping.
Many governments, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions participate in the observance of World Soil Day. They organize such activities as soil exhibitions and displays, which showcase and highlight the diversity of soils, their unique properties, and the importance of soil health.
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They, also hold soil-related workshops and lectures in which experts in soil science, agriculture, and environmental management deliver presentations and lead interactive sessions. Participants are, also, encouraged to participate in soil sampling and analysis. The participants are urged to collect soil samples from their gardens or local areas and have them analyzed for nutrient content and quality.
There are, also, tree-planting and gardening activities, with these community-based events promoting the important role of plants in maintaining healthy soil. Social media campaigns are, likewise, additional activities that promote the awareness of healthy soils on this day.
World Soil Day 2024 Is All About Caring for Soils
The theme for World Soil Day 2024 is 'Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage', which accentuates the importance of accurate soil data and information. This theme aims to emphasize the need for understanding soil characteristics and supporting informed decision-making on sustainable soil management for plant growing, crop cultivation, biodiversity conservation, and food security.
This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it is the 10th celebration globally and, hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand. It marks the first celebration outside FAO headquarters, coinciding with the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) happening between December 2 and 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Individuals can, therefore, follow the proceedings, and even engage in their own soil health awareness activities from wherever they are. So, perhaps, you'd make an effort to take part in any of these activities whenever, and wherever they happen near you!
Feature image by Louis Balsan, header image by Greta Hoffman.
