By Fatima Saka
World Soil Day is commemorated every December 5th to bring awareness to the importance of healthy soils for a sustainable planet and the importance of soil for human survival and its habitants.
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2015 as the International Year of Soils, highlighting the importance of this resource for sustainable development.
World Soil Day 2022: Theme: “Soils, where food begins”.
According to this year’s theme which translates into “Stop Soil Erosion, Save Our Future.”
Human beings can all play the role in saving the future by taking steps to protect our soil.
One way to do this is to reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals that can be harmful to soil health.
Another way is to support sustainable agriculture practices that help keep soils healthy and productive.
Another illustration of World Soil Day 2022 Theme: referred to knowing that soil is one of the most essential ingredients for life on Earth?
Not only does it provide the foundation for plant growth, but it also helps to filter our water and purify our air.
Soil is a natural resource the earth needs to protect, and World Soil Day is the perfect opportunity to do just that. .
Like humans and animals, soils need a balanced and varied supply of nutrients in appropriate amounts to remain healthy.
This day also highlights the need to protect and conserve the soils, as a vital resource that its habitants rely on for food production, water filtration, and carbon sequestration.
There are many ways individuals can get involved in World Soil Day. By starting to learn more about the benefits of healthy soils and how you can help protect them.
Individuals can also join a local event or volunteer with an organization working to improve soil health in your community.
Also, individuals can support policies and practices that promote sustainable land management and help preserve our soils for future generations.
The Importance of Soil is essential for life on Earth. It is the thin layer of natural resources that covers the planet’s surface and provides the anchor for all terrestrial ecosystems.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of soil for human survival. This day also serves as a platform to advocate for sustainable management practices that can help protect this vital resource.
Soil provides many ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being, including food production, water filtration and purification, carbon sequestration, and support for plant growth.
Unfortunately, this natural resource is under increasing pressure from a variety of human activities. Poor farming practices can lead to soil degradation, while deforestation and urbanization can destroy soils entirely. These activities can have serious consequences for food security, water quality, and climate change.
Sustainable management of soils is essential to mitigating these threats and ensuring a bright future for our planet. Some simple steps that everyone can take to protect soils include reducing tillage in agriculture, planting trees and other plants native to your region, and avoiding construction on steep slopes. By working together to safeguard this precious resource, we can ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.
What Causes Soil Degradation?
According to research; there are many reasons why soil might degrade. As a result, it’s human activity. For instance, when farmers use too much fertilizer, it can runoff into waterways and pollute them. Or if farmers clear too much land for agriculture, it can lead to desertification.
Meanwhile, other causes of soil degradation include climate change, overgrazing by animals, and deforestation.
However, Remedies for Improving Soil Health includes:
- Use organic matter. This includes compost, manure, leaves, and grass clippings. By adding organic matter to the soil, you improve its ability to hold water and nutrients, and encourage the growth of beneficial microbes.
- Till the soil properly. Tilling allows oxygen to reach the roots of plants, and also helps to control weeds. Be careful not to over-till, as this can damage the structure of the soil.
- Use cover crops. Cover crops help to protect the soil from erosion and add organic matter when they are turned under. They also help to suppress weeds and improve water infiltration into the soil.
- Mulch your garden beds. Mulching helps to conserve moisture, prevent weed growth, and keep the soil temperature more consistent. Choose an organic mulch such as wood chips or straw for best results.
5 . Rotate your crops . Crop rotation helps to break the life cycle of pests and diseases, and also adds diversity to your garden’s ecosystem . It is especially important in areas where tomatoes , peppers , or eggplants are grown .
6 . Avoid compaction . Compacted soils have difficulty supporting plant growth and can lead to runoff and erosion . To avoid compaction , use light equipment on wet soils ,and refrain from walking on
