How is World Soil Day celebrated?

World Soil Day, a date that many may overlook on their calendars, is actually a celebration of life itself. This day, designated to raise awareness of the importance of soil in our lives, is an opportunity to reflect on the earth beneath our feet and how it influences the health of our planet and, ultimately, our survival.

Soil is a fundamental natural resource that too often goes unnoticed. However, it is essential for life on Earth. Since time immemorial, soil has been the foundation on which civilizations are built, food is grown, and ecosystems are established. Without fertile soil, we would not be able to enjoy the food we eat every day. The relationship between soil and life is inseparable, and understanding its importance is the first step to preserving our planet.

What is the Soil?

Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air and living organisms that covers the Earth's surface. As rocks break down over time due to physical, chemical, and biological processes, soil is formed. This process is known as weathering and is essential for creating fertile soils.

Soil is a non-renewable resource, and the formation of fertile soil takes thousands of years. Therefore, its conservation is vital to ensure that future generations have access to productive lands.

Soil Functions

Soil plays many crucial roles for life on Earth:

Support for plant life: Soil provides a substrate for the growth of plants, trees and crops. It also hosts a variety of microbial organisms that are essential for the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients.

Water Storage and Supply: Soil acts as a natural sponge that stores water and releases it gradually. This function is essential for the provision of fresh water, the recharge of aquifers and the regulation of hydrological cycles.

Water Filtration and Purification: Soil is a natural filter that removes impurities and contaminants from water as it is filtered through it. This process is essential for water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Carbon storage: Soils store large amounts of organic carbon. Proper soil management can play a significant role in mitigating climate change by preventing the release of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) into the atmosphere.

Habitat for biodiversity: Soil supports a great diversity of life, from worms and microorganisms to insects and small mammals. This soil biodiversity is essential for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.

Despite its importance, soil is threatened throughout the world. Below are some of the most pressing challenges facing land today:

Soil degradation : Soil degradation is a global problem that manifests itself in soil erosion, compaction, salinization and acidification. Intensive agriculture and deforestation are some of the main causes of soil degradation.

Loss of fertile soil: Urban expansion, mining, and land conversion for agriculture often result in the loss of fertile soil. This process is especially worrying given that the formation of fertile soil is a very slow process.

Soil Pollution: Soil contamination with toxic chemicals, heavy metals and hazardous waste poses a threat to human health and the environment. Leaching of agricultural chemicals and improper waste disposal are common sources of soil contamination.

Desertification: Desertification is the transformation of fertile lands into deserts due to soil degradation and loss of vegetation. This has serious consequences for food security and the stability of local communities.

Climate change: Climate change, with an increase in temperature and variability in precipitation, also affects soils. It can increase erosion and loss of soil organic matter, which in turn can exacerbate climate change by releasing more carbon into the atmosphere.

Agriculture and Soil

Agriculture plays a fundamental role in the relationship between the soil and humanity. The production of food, fodder and fiber depends largely on the health of the soil. However, modern agricultural practices often have a negative impact on soils. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, intensive tillage and monoculture can deplete soil fertility and contribute to erosion and degradation.

To address these issues, sustainable agriculture has become a priority. Sustainable agriculture focuses on maintaining and improving soil health while ensuring adequate food production. Some of the sustainable agriculture practices include crop rotation, direct seeding, conservation agriculture, and reducing the use of chemicals.

Celebrating World Soil Day

World Soil Day is celebrated on December 5 every year. This date was chosen to honor the anniversary of the birth of Hugh Hammond Bennett, a pioneer in soil conservation and founder of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service. The celebration of this day is an opportunity to raise awareness in society about the importance of soil and promote sustainable land management practices.

Each year, World Soil Day focuses on a specific theme related to current challenges facing soil. Some of the previous topics include "Healthy Soils for Healthy Living" and "Harvest the rain, where it falls, it nourishes the soil." These topics highlight the relationship between soil, water, food and health. Key messages promoted on this day include:

• The importance of conserving and restoring healthy soils to ensure food security and sustainability.
• The need to reduce soil erosion and degradation.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and responsible land management.
• Raising awareness about soil pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
• The contribution of soil to climate change mitigation through carbon storage.

Events and Activities

World Soil Day is celebrated around the world through a variety of events and activities. These include conferences, workshops, agricultural fairs, educational programs in schools and universities, and tree planting activities. Government organizations, NGOs, academic institutions and farmers are actively involved in promoting the importance of soil and the adoption of sustainable practices.

A Call to Action

World Soil Day is more than a celebration; It is a call to action. Humanity faces urgent challenges related to food security, environmental health and climate change mitigation. Addressing these challenges starts with raising awareness about the importance of soil and taking concrete steps to protect it.

Individual Actions

Every individual can contribute to soil conservation in their daily lives. Here are some actions anyone can take:

Reduce food waste: By reducing food waste, we help reduce pressure on agriculture and therefore the soil.

Support sustainable agriculture: By choosing products from sustainable agriculture and supporting farmers who follow responsible practices, we are promoting soil conservation.

Raise awareness among others: Education is key. Sharing information about the importance of soil and how to protect it can inspire others to take action.

Participate in soil restoration activities: Joining local soil restoration projects, such as planting trees or cleaning up degraded areas, is an effective way to make a difference.

Government and Political Actions

Governments and institutions play a fundamental role in protecting soil. Some of the policy measures that can be taken include:

Promote laws and regulations that protect soil: Implement laws that prohibit soil degradation and irresponsible deforestation.

Incentivize sustainable agriculture: Offer incentives and support to farmers who adopt sustainable practices.

Educate the public: Conduct public awareness campaigns about the importance of soil and sustainable management practices.

Research and development: Fund research into agricultural practices and technologies that conserve soil.

Soil science, known as pedology, plays a vital role in understanding and conserving soils. Soil scientists study the formation, composition and functions of soils, as well as ways to improve their quality and health. Their work is essential in guiding agricultural and land management practices toward sustainability.

Soil science research also focuses on the development of advanced technologies and practices to address the challenges facing soil. This includes improving fertilizer use efficiency, managing erosion, restoring degraded soils, and promoting conservation agriculture practices.