Every July 7th is the International Soil Conservation Day and, beyond the date to raise awareness, we think it is necessary to highlight at least 4 reasons to understand the importance of conserving the soil. Because?
- Because the sustainability of the soils used for agriculture is the very sustainability of our food.
- The nutrition of society and, therefore, its future is at stake.
- Because proper and respectful management of soils guarantees the survival of species and ecosystems and, conversely, abuse or overexploitation of soils can put the biodiversity that our planet needs at risk.
What is soil made of?
Soil is made up of minerals, organic matter, tiny plant and animal organisms, air, and water. It forms very slowly, with the disintegration of the rocks by the action of water, changes in temperature and the wind.
4 reasons to understand the importance of conserving the soil
It is a ‘living’ system that directly and indirectly gives life to all species
It must be borne in mind that our soils not only support many forms of life, such as plants and numerous animals, but that it is the base, the foundation of all kinds of plant species and, by extension, of the crops that we grow. depends on the nutrition of many other species.
It is estimated that one hectare of fertile land can contain more than 300 million small invertebrates, including insects, spiders, worms, etc., as well as billions of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast cells, and small fungi. And all of these life forms are important for their own sake, but above all for their role in the balance of life on the planet.
It is essential for crop productivity
The porosity and structure of the soil are essential to give plants something as important as their support, their solidity. The soil protects their root system against sudden changes in temperature and humidity and supplies them with nutrients, water and oxygen.
That is why we should remember every day that approximately 95% of our food comes directly or indirectly from the ground. And, therefore, we need to have healthy and sustainable soils to guarantee food security for all people.
When is soil considered fertile?
- When its consistency and depth allow a good development and fixation of the roots;
- It contains the nutrients that the vegetation needs;
- it is capable of absorbing and retaining water;
- it is sufficiently ventilated;
- and does not contain toxic substances.
It is essential for the planet’s food security
The porosity and structure of the soil are essential to give plants something as important as their support, their solidity. The soil protects their root system against sudden changes in temperature and humidity and supplies them with nutrients, water and oxygen.
That is why we should remember every day that approximately 95% of our food comes directly or indirectly from the ground. And, therefore, we need to have healthy and sustainable soils to guarantee food security for all people.
It helps mitigate the effects of the planet’s climate change
When plants carry out photosynthesis, they sequester atmospheric carbon that is incorporated and stored in the soil in the form of organic compounds.
A significant fact is that it is estimated that its total carbon content is double that present in the atmosphere and three times higher than that found in all living beings on the planet. Therefore, the soil contributes to alleviate the effects of climate change.
Not in vain, another of its most important functions lies in its ability to filter water and regulate its cycle, something that undoubtedly reduces the effects of pollution and alleviates situations such as droughts or floods.
