World Soil Day

We frequently take life for granted to the point where we lose sight of the factors that make it possible in the first place. One illustration of such is the poor soil. Without it, we would not have been able to create earthen utensils, erect significant structures, or even cultivate food. As a result, December 5 is designated as World Soil Day to emphasize the significance of soil. It also emphasizes the importance of teaching people around the world about the value of soil and of managing soil resources sustainably. On December 20th, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared that day to be "World Soil Day." 

Why do we celebrate World Soil Day?
The goal of World Soil Day is to increase public understanding of the value of soil and how it may be sustainably used for both life and livelihood.

What exactly is good soil?
Minerals, liquids, organic materials, gases, and living things all coexist in soil. From the peaks of mountains to the bottoms of oceans, soil is present everywhere. It sustains the majority of plant life and makes up more than four fifths of the earth's surface. It contributes significantly to the ecology of the planet by supplying food, pure water, and oxygen. It's imperative to treat soil with care for all of these reasons!
A healthy soil may nourish plants, control the earth's water cycle, and store carbon dioxide in its pores. A balanced pH (a measure of acidity or alkalinity) that promotes microbial biodiversity is a trait of healthy soil. The majority of soils, however, are currently displaying signs of deterioration or depletion, which means they do not offer sufficient nutrients for microorganisms or plants to flourish to their full potential.

Why is it important to protect our soil?
Soil is formed naturally over a lengthy period of time. In mild weather, a centimeter of soil takes about 300 years or more to develop; in dry conditions, the process takes significantly longer. Scientists and engineers have yet to discover a sustainable way to artificially create a soil equivalent. Therefore, any erosion or loss of soil health is almost irreversible, at least for generations.

The topsoil is depleting:
The majority of the topsoil on the earth is in poor condition as a result of industrialization and mechanized monocrop farming. About two-thirds of agricultural land is losing topsoil at an alarming rate, and nearly half of all soil has been degraded in some way. Reduced plant nutrient availability can eventually result in poorer crop yields.

Our efforts to combat hunger are impacted by soil health:
Healthy soils may supply plants with nutrients, store carbon dioxide in their pores, and assist control the earth's water flow. Therefore, it has a direct and indirect relationship with food security. But maintaining agricultural output sustainably is getting more difficult as the majority of soils in the globe show signs of deterioration or depletion.

Globally, declining soil health is affecting biodiversity:
Any location's soil quality has an impact on the food chain since it promotes microbial growth and natural vegetation. Any alteration in soil health has an impact on the entire food chain.

What can we do to support soil maintenance and recovery?
More people need to start composting their food scraps, reforesting degraded land, and developing farming methods that work with nature rather than against it. Without these adjustments, our globe would continue to experience severe food insecurity, a lack of healthy soil, and contaminated freshwater.
Here are a few simple ways you may participate in World Soil Day and encourage others to do the same.

Reduce your use of petroleum products and consumption of highly processed foods to lower your carbon footprint.
On areas with poor soil, plant locally endemic trees.
Encourage groups, charities, and campaigners who are trying to inform the public about the value of soil.
Start a community garden or organize a compost pile with family, friends, and neighbors.
Instead of disposing of food waste in landfills, which would release methane gas into the environment and worsen global warming issues, recycle it into compost piles.
Use social media to interact, comment, debate, and share anything related to World Soil Day.

Changing industrial and agricultural practices that affect soil health is not straightforward, especially in the light of current urban lifestyles. But now is the moment to take action to reverse soil harm. Please share your suggestions for how to recognize World Soil Day.