Dec. 5 Marks World Soil Day

World Soil Day is observed annually on December 5th to promote sustainable soil management and emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy soil resources worldwide.

It highlights the critical role soil plays in sustaining life on Earth and reminds us of the intricate relationship between soil, plants, animals, and humans. The celebration serves as a reminder of the need to preserve and protect this invaluable resource.

Organizations and institutions hold various activities on this occasion to ensure that the celebration remains relevant and educative, encouraging individuals and communities to take concrete actions.

According to the UN, sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.

In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) recommended establishing an international day for celebrating soil. With leadership from the Kingdom of Thailand and support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) within the Global Soil Partnership framework, World Soil Day was formally established as a global awareness platform.