World Soil Day

Although the effects of soil degradation are not immediately apparent, the agricultural and economic impacts should not be underestimated and could have serious consequences for people and the planet alike. A study from 2019 highlighted that increased soil erosion could result in significantly lower crop yields and increased water usage,  costing around $8 billion in losses. Furthermore, as soil forms a significant part of the global carbon sink, reductions in soil quality would lead to a considerable increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, exacerbating the impacts of climate change, linking it to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Even industries seemingly unconnected to agriculture would be negatively affected by the decrease in soil quality .  

What causes the problem? Soil degradation is an entirely natural process that is cyclical in nature. However, this process has been sped up by increased human activities. Activities such as intensive farming practices, deforestation, overgrazing, intensive cultivation, forest fires, and construction all disturb soil and leave it vulnerable to wind and water erosion.  

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...