World Soil Day 2022
World Soil Day 2022
Today is World Soil Day! This year the theme follows the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations’ campaign titled “Soil: Where food begins”. This campaign aims to address the fact that our food security and nutrition relies on healthy soil yet soil is often overlooked and is increasingly degraded.
Did you know that there are more soil microorganisms in a teaspoonful of soil than there are people on Earth? Soil contains billions of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, algae and minute insects, as well as earthworms, beetles, ants, mites and fungi. All of these organisms work together to provide the right nutrients needed for our food production processes and thus soil is incredibly important for human well-being. Building soil organic matter is essential when it comes to sustainable agriculture, but this is often easier said than done as improving soil health takes time and dedication.
There are many challenges when it comes to soil management. Pollution, for one, is a huge concern when it comes to soil health. Nutrient pollution caused by run-off from industrial processes threatens the ability of soils to fully perform their ecosystem services. Natalia Rodríguez Eugenio, the consultant on soil pollution for the?Global Soil Partnership?says; “Soil pollution affects us all, and we can all do something to prevent it; small changes in our habits and a greater commitment from governments and industry will have very positive effects on pollution prevention and minimisation.”
World Soil Day is a good and welcome reminder to refocus on cultivating healthy, nutrient-rich soils. We are all responsible for maintaining soil health and we should all at least be aware of the increasing challenges when it comes to soil management, knowing that our own health is directly impacted by ensuring sustainable stewardship of soil.
The idea of a day to celebrate soil was first brought up 10 years ago by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), but the day only came to be officially endorsed in 2013 by the UN General Assembly. The first official World Soil Day was then commemorated on the 5th of December 2014.
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How can you take part?
Since we all have a part to play in advocating for healthy soils, let us make the most of this opportunity. An important step is to raise awareness and using #WorldSoilDay and #Soils4Nutrition on social media can help.
If you want to learn more about soil health and how to be a good steward of the soil, why not invest in a course with AGRICOLLEGES international?
The short course?Fundamentals of Good Agricultural Practices?is an excellent place to start your?agri-education journey towards ensuring you are keeping up to standard in the best agricultural practices.
The next 12 week course starts on the 28th of February 2023, enrol today so you don’t miss out!
Visit?www.agricolleges.com?for more information or reach out to our friendly team on?[email protected]