Shafiq ur Rehman,
Every year on December 5, World Soil Day (WSD) is observed to raise awareness of the value of good soil and to promote the sustainable management of soil resources .We commemorate World Soil Day because these microscopic organisms live in the soil and supply the soil with nutrients in return. Seven billion people live in a sustainable environment as a result of this symbiotic interaction.2023 Theme is Soil and water, a source of life. Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water.
There are three major reasons why soils are important. 1- There are more living organisms in a tablespoon of soil than there are people on earth. One gram of soil can contain several billion bacteria from thousands of different species. Many life forms make soil their home, and in turn most other animals depend upon them for food.2- It takes 1000 years to make 1 centimeter of soil and 3- It is estimated that 95% of our food is directly or indirectly produced in our soil.
History
In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) advocated the establishment of an international day to commemorate soil. FAO has formally endorsed the creation of WSD as a platform for spreading worldwide awareness. In June 2013, the FAO Conference formally adopted World Soil Day and asked the 68th UN General Assembly to do the same. In response, the UN General Assembly declared December 5, 2014, the inaugural World Soil Day, in December 2013.
Feeding the World
Providing food for everyone on the planet is a massive task that calls for cooperation from many stakeholders. The importance of soil is one of the essential elements in attaining food security. Sustainable soil management techniques can help us maximize agricultural output and provide a consistent supply of food for our expanding population. In order to feed the world, it is imperative that all farmers, from small-scale to large-scale, understand the value of soil and implement methods that improve/sustain its fertility and health.
Among the techniques used in sustainable soil management include crop rotation, cover crops, and organic farming. These methods enhances soil structure and replenishing soil nutrients. Preserving soil moisture is another aspect of good soil management that helps fight dry spells and water constraint. By using these strategies, we can improve the productivity and health of the soil, which will raise crop yields and improve food production.
Investing in soil management research and teaching is crucial to tackling the world’s food crisis. We can create novel ways to maximize crop development and output by comprehending the complexities of soil, such as its nutrient composition, microbial activity, and water-holding capacity. Furthermore, providing farmers with knowledge about sustainable soil management techniques gives them the ability to make decisions that will improve food output. Thus soilis a vital resource for feeding the globe through ongoing study and knowledge sharing.
Environmental Stewardship
A crucial component of environmental management is safeguarding biodiversity. Numerous plant and animal species can be found on our globe, and each one is essential to the upkeep of a healthy ecosystem. By implementing conservation measures, such establishing protected areas and advocating for sustainable land and water management strategies, we can preserve ecosystems and avert the decline of biodiversity.
Moreover, environmental stewardship entails reducing the effects of climate change through action. We can help the global effort to address climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, supporting renewable energy sources, and encouraging sustainable transportation options. It also encourages us to make decisions that will benefit the environment and the world by serving as a reminder of the interdependence of our activities and their effects.
Soil also plays a vital role in water cycle regulation. It acts as a sponge, absorbing rainfall and preventing runoff, thus reducing the risk of floods and erosion. World Soil Day highlights the importance of soil in maintaining water quality and quantity. By preserving and restoring soil health, we can safeguard our precious water resources.
Mitigating Climate Change
One of the most important worldwide initiatives is climate change mitigation, which calls for cooperation to cut greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the effects of human activity on the environment. We can preserve our world, guarantee a sustainable future, and defend the welfare of present and future generations by addressing climate change.We can cut carbon emissions and lessen the effects of climate change by shifting away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Emissions during use of inorganic nutrient sources can be reduced by adopting 4R nutrient stewardship. The first steps towards a greener and more sustainable future are to support laws that encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources and to encourage investment in renewable energy infrastructure. This not only help fight climate change but also save money and improve air quality.
References
United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization. (2022). World Soil Day, 5 December.
IISD. SDG Knowledge Hub. 2022. World Soil Day 2022
The writer is MSc. (Hons.)
Agriculture-Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
Email: shafiqur
_rehman@ffc.com.pk
