Feature Photo by Kaboompics.com
Each year, December 5th is an important date on the international environmental calendar—World Soil Day. And in 2024, this occasion holds special significance as it marks the 10th anniversary of this celebratory event. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the crucial role soil plays in supporting life and serves as a rallying cry to safeguard the ground we walk on.
We might not think of it as such, but soil is far more than mere dirt; it is a foundation for ecosystems, a supporter of biodiversity, and the lifeblood of agriculture. In today’s article, I’ll delve into the journey, purpose, and future of this global celebration.
ABOUT WORLD SOIL DAY
If you haven’t heard of World Soil Day, it’s probably because its inception only dates back to 2002, when the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) suggested a global event to highlight the significance of soil. The concept gained traction, and by 2013, it received overwhelming endorsement from both the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN General Assembly. Officially established in December 2013, the inaugural World Soil Day was observed on December 5, 2014. This date commemorates the birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who was a fervent supporter of sustainable soil management too.
Over the last ten years, this day has evolved into a global movement advocating for the vital health of this indispensable resource. But why? Soil is the often-overlooked champion of our planet, serving as the foundation of life as we know it. This day is dedicated to acknowledging its importance, from its contribution to agriculture and food security to its role in maintaining ecosystem health and fighting against land degradation. Remarkably, 95% of our food is cultivated in soil, which also nourishes over a quarter of Earth’s biodiversity—a complex domain that scientists are just beginning to explore.
The Urgent Call to Protect Soil Health Together
Unfortunately, though, soil health is facing significant threats. Unsustainable farming methods, pollution, and urban expansion diminish soil fertility and biodiversity, jeopardising our capacity to produce food and address climate change. Even small actions like establishing an allotment can foster healthier ecosystems and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
World Soil Day serves as a reminder of our shared duty to safeguard this essential resource for future generations. It’s not just the government’s or farmers’ responsibility, it needs to be a collective effort.
Related – Allotments & Biodiversity
WHAT IS BIODERSITY?
Biodiversity, the variety of plant and animal life on our planet, is rapidly declining, which could lead to significant long-term consequences, but why is biodiversity so important for our planet? And why should we protect and celebrate it? The importance of biodiversity lies in its role in maintaining healthy ecosystems of various scales and how interconnected everything is in creating a safe environment for all living beings. One crucial reason for the significance of biodiversity is its necessity for the survival of ecosystems. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, biodiversity is fundamental for the existence and proper functioning of all ecosystems. A diverse environment enables different forms of life to adapt better to changes and stresses in their surroundings.
Biodiversity and soil health are intricately linked. It is biodiversity that provides the resilience necessary for ecosystems to endure stress and adapt to changes, making it vital for sustainable development. However, with biodiversity on the decline, the potential consequences could be dire.
Soil Biodiversity: The Hidden Key to a Sustainable Future
Healthy soil is teeming with a diverse array of organisms that play key roles in essential processes such as carbon storage, pollutant degradation, and nutrient cycling. This complex web of life fosters the growth of plants, which in turn support countless other species, including humans.
Biodiversity is important in maintaining healthy ecosystems and the far-reaching effects of its loss—from jeopardising medicinal plants to threatening pollinators. Safeguarding soil biodiversity is a crucial step toward ensuring the sustainability of life on our planet. Hence why it’s so important that we take car of our soils, or at least, bring them back to their healthy form.
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OUR SOILS?
Soil is much more than just dirt; it is a vibrant ecosystem. Microorganisms within the soil decompose into organic matter, supplying essential nutrients to plants. Insects and worms enhance soil structure, enabling it to retain more water, while plants contribute to soil stability, allowing it to withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall. But how can we prioritise soil health and what exactly can we do to improve it?
Cultivate Diverse Species
A variety of plants brings numerous advantages to soil. Crops with taproots can alleviate soil compaction, while fibrous roots provide stability. Species that support beneficial mycorrhizal fungi increase their presence, and legumes contribute nitrogen. Multi-species pasture cropping—seeding crops into dormant pasture—is a successful method for enhancing soil health through plant diversity.
Boost Organic Matter Inputs
As organic materials like manure and compost break down into humus, they enhance soil structure, drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient supply. Perennial, grass-dominated pastures are effective for increasing organic matter, and returning crop residues to the soil is also beneficial.
Manage Nutrients Wisely
Excess nitrogen can lead to soil acidity and hinder plant growth. Therefore, it’s good practice to strategically plan the timing and application of paddock treatments to avoid nutrient excesses. Practices like liming help maintain a soil pH suitable for the crops being grown, which aids nutrient absorption.
Control Water Flow
Incorporating vegetation and landscape features can slow water movement across your land, enhancing water infiltration and minimising soil erosion during heavy rainfall.
Minimise Pesticide Usage
Earthworms enhance nutrient availability, improve drainage, and stabilise soil as they consume organic matter and burrow through the ground. Pesticides can negatively impact these vital invertebrates, so reducing chemical reliance will help earthworm populations thrive.
Implement Grazing Management
Strategically manage grazing and pastures to sustain ground cover and promote root development, both essential for soil protection and health. Techniques like time-controlled or rotational grazing allow for the soil’s physical and chemical recovery after grazing periods.
Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture practices restore the soil’s organic carbon, which helps the soil draw down carbon from the air and store it underground, hold and clean water and produce nutrient-dense food. To be honest, it’s hard to encapsulate the benefits regenerative agriculture can have on our soils into one punchy sentence. There are just so many, and it’s a concept that opens up so many doors for discussion.
ABOUT REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE & SOIL HEALTH
Regenerative agriculture represents an innovative farming method aimed at restoring and improving soil health while emphasising sustainability and ecological harmony. In contrast to conventional farming practices that often deplete soil nutrients, regenerative techniques focus on rebuilding soil organic matter, enhancing its biodiversity, and boosting the soil’s ability to sequester carbon.
At its foundation, regenerative agriculture is rooted in the concept of collaborating with nature instead of opposing it. Employing strategies like cover cropping, crop rotation, minimal tillage, compost application, and holistic grazing, this approach mimics natural processes to foster soil fertility. These practices effectively prevent erosion and enrich the soil, increasing its resilience against challenges such as droughts, floods, and pests.
One of the most notable advantages of regenerative agriculture is its capacity to address climate change. Healthy soils function as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it below ground. This not only helps lower greenhouse gas levels but also promotes plant growth and enhances water retention, resulting in more productive and sustainable agricultural land.
Regenerative Agriculture: Transforming Textiles for a Sustainable Future
Regenerative agriculture extends beyond food production; it is also pivotal in sustainable textile manufacturing. For instance, wool producers like Loopy Ewes, a regenerative farming operation and clothing line that uses minimal textile production methods to create sustainable wearables from a flock of rare breed sheep. Their regenerative methods ensure that every phase of their process, from farm to final product, benefits the environment.
Related – Loopy Ewes: Winner of the RSA Soil-to-soil knitwear, Farm to Finished Product Award
and finally....
As we commemorate World Soil Day’s 10th anniversary, we have ample reasons to feel hopeful. The rise of regenerative agriculture and individual initiatives, such as cultivating biodiversity-rich gardens, demonstrate that people around the globe are adopting solutions to restore our soil and safeguard its biodiversity. That really makes me believe that together, we can foster a flourishing future anchored in healthy soil—an achievement worthy of recognition not just on December 5th, but every single day throughout the year. I hope to have passed on some trusting feelings to you too, and if you have any ways you know work in restoring soil health – established or experimental – let me know, I’d love to include them in this article.