World Soil Day

  Salinization is the accumulation of water-soluble salts of sodium, magnesium and calcium in the soil . It is the consequence of high evapotranspiration rates, inland sea water intrusion, and human-induced (e.g. improper irrigation) processes. Salinization reduces crop yields and, above certain thresholds, completely eliminates crop production. • Surface cover should be optimized to reduce evaporation losses; • Efficiency of irrigation water use should be increased through improved conveyance, • distribution, and field application methods. Application methods should be used that operate with low pressure and apply the water directly to the soil. Automization of water supply and application of water on top of crops should be avoided to reduce evaporation losses; • Irrigation management should ensure sufficient water for plant growth and efficient drainage to avoid problems of salinization; • Irrigation water quality should be tested and monitored; when feasible, water desalinizati...

  Soil may filter, fix and neutralize, but also release pollutants when conditions change (e.g. heavy metal release with lowering pH). Therefore, prevention of soil contamination remains the best way to maintain healthy soils and food safety in accordance to the Sustainable Development Goals. Contaminants can enter soils from a variety of sources including agricultural inputs, land application of by-products, atmospheric deposition, flood and irrigation water, accidental spills, inappropriate urban waste and wastewater management, and other means. Accumulation and contamination occur if the rate of addition of a given contaminant exceeds its rate of removal from the soil system. Negative consequences may include plant toxicities and subsequent productivity declines, contamination of water and off-site areas through sediment transport, and increased human and animal health risks through accumulation in the food-chain. • Governments are encouraged to establish and implement regulatio...

  Human-induced acidification of agricultural and forest soils is primarily associated with removal of base cations and loss of soil buffering capacity or increases in nitrogen and sulfur inputs (e.g. legume pastures fertilizer inputs, atmospheric deposition). Soils with low pHbuffering capacity and/or high aluminium content are most prevalent when they have a low content of weatherable minerals (e.g. ancient, strongly weathered soils, and soils developed from quartz-rich parent materials). • Monitoring soil acidity and minimizing surface and sub-surface soil acidity by using proper amendments (such as lime, gypsum and clean ash); • Balanced fertilizer and organic amendment applications; and • Appropriate use of acidifying fertilizer types.