Soil is indispensable to life on Earth. It filters the water we drink, nurtures the food we eat, and captures carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change. Healthy soil is essential to sustain livelihoods and communities worldwide. Yet, soil is increasingly taken for granted, treated as if it were an infinite resource, while in reality, only 7.5% of Earth’s surface provides arable soil, and this layer is disappearing at an alarming rate. This year’s World Soil Day theme, “Caring for Soil: Measure, Monitor & Manage,” reminds us of the urgent need to adopt sustainable soil practices to prevent a looming crisis.
The importance of soil health
Soil health is directly linked to our ability to feed the world. Healthy soil is the foundation for productive farming, supporting 95% of the food we consume. However, the rapid degradation of soil has become a global concern. Currently, 33% of the world’s soil is degraded, with billions of tons lost annually to erosion, posing significant threats to both food security and climate stability. When soil loses its physical, chemical, or biological properties, crop yields decline, food quality decreases, and the ability to sequester carbon is diminished.
Soil degradation is largely driven by human activities such as deforestation, over-farming, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. It is estimated that we are losing 24 billion tons of fertile soil each year, a rate that is ten times faster than soil can regenerate. Topsoil, which is essential for crop growth, takes thousands of years to form, but it can be destroyed in just a few decades of unsustainable farming practices. This threatens the livelihoods of farmers and exacerbates global challenges such as hunger and climate change.
Soil also plays a critical role as a carbon sink. In fact, soil holds more carbon than all terrestrial plants and the atmosphere combined. When soil is degraded, it releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Protecting soil not only helps ensure food security, but also mitigates the effects of climate change by keeping carbon sequestered in the ground.
Sustainable soil management practices
To preserve soil health and ensure future food security, adopting sustainable soil management practices is crucial. Practices such as crop rotation, organic fertilization, and conservation tillage help maintain soil structure, replenish nutrients, and reduce erosion. These methods can prevent the depletion of soil resources, promote biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of crops to pests and diseases.
Crop rotation, for example, involves alternating different crops in the same field to replenish nutrients and reduce pest buildup. Conservation tillage minimizes soil disturbance, improving water retention and preventing soil erosion. Organic fertilization, using compost or manure, enriches the soil with vital nutrients while enhancing its microbial activity. These sustainable practices contribute to healthier soil, which in turn leads to better yields and more sustainable agricultural systems.
Agroforestry, which combines trees and crops in a symbiotic relationship, is another practice that benefits soil health. Trees improve soil structure by preventing erosion and increasing organic matter, while crops benefit from the enhanced water retention and nutrient cycling in the soil. By incorporating these practices, farmers can restore the balance of their soils and create more resilient farming systems.
Clean energy solutions: The role of biogas in soil health
In addition to traditional soil management techniques, our modern biogas technology offers an innovative solution to improving soil health. Farmers who have adopted our biodigesters have reported improved soil fertility, better water retention, and enhanced nutrient content. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which can damage soil and contribute to nutrient imbalances, biofertilizers derived from biogas are rich in organic matter that supports the soil’s microbial life. This boosts soil health by increasing its capacity to hold water, reducing the need for chemical inputs, and improving crop resilience.
The adoption of our biodigesters also helps reduce methane emissions that arise from unsustainable management of cattle waste, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural system. For example, farmers using Sistema.bio’s biodigesters have observed not only improved soil conditions but also higher crop yields and better waste management.
Soil health and the sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Soil health is also deeply intertwined with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First and foremost, it is essential for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), as healthy soil is necessary to produce sufficient, nutritious food for the global population. With over 820 million people still suffering from hunger, improving soil quality is crucial for achieving global food security.
Soil health also supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by acting as a carbon sink. Sustainable soil practices can help mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, soil restoration contributes to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by conserving ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity, which are vital for maintaining the balance of the planet’s natural resources.
By adopting sustainable soil practices and supporting innovations like modern biodigesters, we can improve food security, combat climate change, and protect biodiversity. Healthy soils are the backbone of a sustainable future, aligning with the global goals to end hunger, combat climate change, and preserve life on land.
As we celebrate World Soil Day 2024, let us recognize the critical role that soil plays in our food systems, climate stability, and global health. The urgency to protect and restore soil health cannot be overstated. By adopting sustainable farming practices, supporting clean energy solutions like biogas, and raising awareness about the importance of soil, we can ensure that future generations inherit fertile, productive lands.
Piyush Sohani
Director of Sistema.bio India
