Why Soil Health Matters: Key Tips for Effective Preservation. Every year on 5 December, World Soil Day is celebrated under the aegis of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of soil and to protect it.
Soil is an important part of the farmer’s life, if the farmer himself does not take proper care of the soil and does not grow crops in it, then where will the common man get food. This is why the farmer is called the backbone of our country. Soil conservation is not only important for food security, but it is also helpful in achieving sustainable development goals.
Soil Health Establishment and History
Why Soil Health Matters: Key Tips for Effective Preservation World Soil Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2013. It was initiated by FAO and the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS). This initiative, which started in 2002, was officially recognized in 2014.
Theme of World Soil Day 2024
This year’s theme is:
Soil care: Soil should be irrigated properly and at the right time and fertilizer should be applied according to the crop.
This theme focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of soil and people should understand that they should use their land in such a way that it is also safe for future generations. Through this, the following aspects are shown:
- Understanding the characteristics of the soil: Study of the physical, chemical and biological composition of the soil.
- Accurate data and monitoring: Accurate information on the state of the soil to promote effective decision making and sustainable development.
- Sustainable management: Restoration of degraded lands and ensuring food security.
WSD 2024: Events and Main Events
- Venue: Bangkok, Thailand
- Date: 9 From December 2024
- Organizers: FAO and Ministry of Agriculture of Thailand
- Event: Three-day International Soil and Water Forum
In this forum, scientists, researchers, administrators and representatives from different countries will discuss soil and water conservation.
Objectives:
- Stop and reverse land degradation.
- Ensure food security and a healthy environment.
- Adopt climate-resilient approaches to soil and water management.
Soil erosion: A serious challenge
According to FAO, so far 1,600 million hectares of land has been degraded due to human activities. Out of this, 58% land was used for agriculture and pasture.
- Increase in food demand by 2050:
By 2050, the world population will require 50% more food, animal feed, fiber and biofuel.
- Causes of erosion:
- Floods, wind and fire.
- Unplanned urbanization.
- Over farming and loss of biodiversity.
Role and challenges of soil in India
India is one of the most enthusiastic countries along with Thailand in celebrating WSD.
But, the following causes of soil erosion have become a big challenge in India:
- Floods and erosion: Loss of top layer of soil.
- Use of harmful chemicals: By using harmful chemicals in the soil, we are reducing the fertility of the soil.
- Unplanned development: The organic nature of the soil is affected.
How to protect soil health?
- Political and administrative leadership:
- Clear policies for the restoration of degraded lands.
- Large-scale investment.
- Public awareness:
- Educate farmers and local people about soil conservation methods.
- Sustainable agricultural practices:
- Use organic fertilizers instead of medicines and promote natural farming.
- Global cooperation:
- Working together with FAO, IUSS and other international organizations.
World Soil Day inspires us to take effective steps towards the importance of soil and its conservation. Efforts are being made to ensure sustainable soil management and food security through topics such as “Soil care: measurement, monitoring, management”.
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