World Soil Day

Soil salinization refers to excessive levels of salt in the soil, which can inhibit plant growth and even be toxic to life. It can occur naturally, for example in deserts due to lack of water and intense evaporation, or as a consequence of human activity. The  FAO is highlighting the issue in marking World Soil Day on Friday, ahead of the official commemoration on Sunday, December 5th .   Soils at risk “Soil is the foundation of agriculture and the world’s farmers depend on soil to produce about 95 per cent of the food we eat. Yet, our soils are at risk,” said Qu Dongyu, the agency’s Director-General, in advance of the Day, which is organized around the theme of Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity. FAO said unsustainable agricultural practices and the overexploitation of natural resources, as well as a growing global population, are putting increased pressure on soils and causing alarming rates of soil degradation worldwide. More than 833 million hectares of...

   The importance of global soil quality is typically overlooked, but it plays a critical role in supporting life on our planet in several ways. First and foremost, soil provides essential nutrients to trees, crops, flowers, and all other plants which could not exist without it. For perspective, soil-based plants serve as the foundation of almost all human food systems, with 95% of our food coming from soils . It is also home to a large, diversified community of creatures that enhance the soil’s structure, recycle vital nutrients , and aid in the management of weeds, plant pests, and diseases . Another crucial factor is that good soil reduces climate change by preserving or even increasing soil organic carbon storage . Furthermore, it filters and cleans our water and helps prevent natural hazards such as flooding.