Paying Respects to Soils on the eve of World Soil Day (5th December)

Soils have played a vital role in the development and sustenance of human civilizations throughout history.

Many civilizations relied heavily on soil; they are:

Ancient China: The Yellow River Valley's fertile soils supported the development of ancient Chinese civilization, with agriculture playing a crucial role in the country's economy and culture.

Maya Civilization: The Maya people developed sophisticated agricultural systems, including terracing and irrigation, to manage soils and optimize crop production in the challenging tropical environment of Mesoamerica.

Indus Valley Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished in present-day Pakistan and northwestern India, relied heavily on the fertile soils of the Indus River Valley to support their agriculture-based economy.

Ancient Greece: The ancient Greeks recognized the importance of soils for agriculture and developed various soil management techniques, including crop rotation and manuring.

Inca Empire (expanded): The Inca people developed a complex system of agriculture, including terracing, irrigation, and crop rotation, to manage soils and optimize crop production in the challenging Andean environment.

Most of these civilizations perished because of the deteriorated soil health. Many eminent persons occasionally voiced their concern over the importance of maintaining soil fertility.?

In the 1840s, the famous German chemist Justus von Liebig (1803–1873) stated that, for the soil to remain fertile, we must return to it everything that has been taken from it. He fundamentally changed the scientific understanding of soil fertility. But instead of heeding Liebig’s caution, humanity has nonchalantly watched as our soil continues to be eroded, and there are still no takers of his idea, even after suffering a lot for centuries by mankind.

It is essential to consider the future of Soil and civilization as we consider the past degradation of soil and society.

The Greeks fall into a mere 30–40 generations. Like other societies, they heavily depended on agriculture to feed themselves. However, as they increased crop production because of population growth, they plundered soil fertility and abetted soil erosion.

Soil erosion is the prime cause of the decline of civilizations in the Middle East, Greece, Rome, and elsewhere.

Soil collapse destroyed Roman civilization, and soil degradation, which resulted from the accumulation of salts, accelerated the decline of Mesopotamian civilization.

The increase in salts in Sumerian soil due to irrigation was perhaps the first chemical contamination in recorded history.

The collapse of Easter Island, where the Moai are found, can be seen as an instance of deforestation and its accompanying soil erosion. As some of the above examples show, the rise and fall of world civilizations are very closely linked to soil degradation.

The fall of our own Indus Valley Civilization is also attributed to the loss of topsoil due to erosion.

Now, what are we experiencing in India?

The problem that the soils of countries like India face is— depleted Soil health. Soil health is an attribute of several physical, chemical and biological processes, and is now showing signs of fatigue due to intensive cultivation, over-mining of nutrients by crops with lesser replenishments through organic and inorganic sources, on the other hand, indiscriminate use of pesticides made the insects and pests as super pests and insects (new gen chemicals are showing a little effect on them).

The primary ingredient for organic farming is compost- now, most of it comes from urban waste, which has a high concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc), which are highly carcinogenic, a matter of great concern.

Forest soils

Forest soils are critical components of forest ecosystems, providing habitat for various plant and animal species. They have unique characteristics, functions, and management requirements. The forest soils are deteriorating faster, which is a grave concern.

Some of the Characteristics of Forest Soils:

1. Depth and Profile: Forest soils tend to be deeper and more complex than other soil types, with a well-developed profile.

2. Organic Matter: Forest soils are rich in organic matter, crucial for soil structure, fertility, and carbon sequestration.

3. Acidity: Forest soils tend to be acidic, with a pH range of 4.0-6.0.

4. Nutrient Cycling: Forest soils have a complex nutrient cycling process, with nutrients being released and absorbed through decomposition, weathering, and biological processes.

Functions of Forest Soils:

1. Carbon Sequestration: Forest soils play a critical role in carbon sequestration, storing significant amounts of carbon in organic matter and mineral forms.

2. Water Filtration: Forest soils help filter water, reducing sedimentation and nutrient runoff.

3. Habitat Provision: Forest soils provide a habitat for many plant and animal species.

4. Nutrient Supply: Forest soils supply plant nutrients, supporting forest growth and productivity.

Management of Forest Soils:

Forest soils and forest biodiversity are intimately connected. Forest soils provide a habitat for many plant and animal species, and the soil's characteristics and properties influence the forest ecosystem's biodiversity. Hence, the forest soils must be protected; some of the measures are listed below:

1. Sustainable Forest Management: Implement sustainable forest management practices, such as selective logging and reforestation.

2. Soil Conservation: Implement soil conservation measures, such as contour planting and buffer strips.

3. Organic Matter Management: Manage organic matter levels through techniques like mulching and composting.

4. Monitoring and Assessment: Regularly monitor and assess forest soil health to inform management decisions.

Innovative Technologies and Practices for Forest Soil Management

Several innovative technologies and practices are being developed and implemented to improve forest soil management. Some examples include:

1. Precision Forestry: This approach uses advanced technologies like drones, satellite imaging, and GPS to collect detailed data on forest soil conditions, tree health, and other factors. This information can be used to optimize forest management practices, reduce soil disturbance, and promote sustainable forest growth.

2. Soil Sensing Technologies: These technologies use sensors and other tools to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and other properties in real time. This information can be used to optimize irrigation, reduce soil erosion, and promote healthy soil biota.

3. Cover Cropping and Mulching: These practices involve planting cover crops or applying mulch to forest soils to reduce erosion, promote soil health, and support biodiversity.

4. Biochar and Biofertilizers: Biochar is a type of charcoal that can be added to soil to improve its structure, fertility, and carbon sequestration capacity. Biofertilizers, such as mycorrhizal fungi, can promote soil health and fertility.

5. Agroforestry and Silvopasture: These practices involve integrating trees into agricultural landscapes or pasture systems to promote soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

So, it is time to take corrective steps so that the Human race will stay and prosper longer.

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