Every July 7th reminds us of the importance of soil for life on Earth and the need for its conservation. We all must become aware of the urgent need to protect this vital resource for the planet’s health and our well-being.
Soil is not simply dirt; it is a complex ecosystem that hosts a vast diversity of living organisms and microorganisms. These organisms perform essential functions such as decomposing organic matter, releasing nutrients, and preventing plant diseases. In this way, soil is not just another link in the planet’s life chain; it is the foundation of a complex web of interactions that preserves our land and the functions that make a healthy life possible.
On this global day, at MAFA, we have previously emphasized the importance of soil conservation. But this time, we are focusing on three reasons not to let our guard down when it comes to protecting it.
«Productive land is our foundation, because everything we do begins and is sustained by the continued productivity of our agricultural lands.». These are the words of American scientist Hugh Hammond Bennett, who dedicated his life to demonstrating the importance of soil. In his honor, World Soil Conservation Day has been celebrated every July 7th since 1963.
A third of the world’s soil is degraded.
If we consider that soil retains three times more carbon than the atmosphere, managing it sustainably could be a powerful tool to address the challenges posed by climate change.
Yet, a third of that soil, which could help us, is in poor condition and no longer capable of fulfilling those essential functions we mentioned earlier.
Although natural factors do play a role, a significant part of soil degradation is due to human activity. That’s why it is so important to observe it, understand it, and, of course, take care of it. We must study and learn about soil to understand its characteristics and, through solutions such as agricultural prebiotics and probiotics, give it the care it deserves by preserving its microbiota, biodiversity, and ultimately, its health.
Soil sustainability is agricultural sustainability
If effective and urgent soil conservation is not carried out, the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems and land productivity could be severely affected.
The adoption of farming practices that ensure the sustainable management of soil is essential to preserve its biodiversity and the entire complex system of living beings and vital functions it supports.
In this way, we can all work together to promote a sustainable agri-food system that can reliably meet the needs of the global food supply—a system under increasing pressure due to the planet’s overpopulation.
Soil is an essential part of the Planet’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
● It contributes to SDG 2. Healthy soils provide the essential nutrients, water, oxygen, and root support that our plants need to grow.
● It supports SDG 6. Why? Functional soils play a key role in supplying clean water and enhancing resilience to floods and droughts.
● It also plays a role in SDG 13, since when soils are managed sustainably, they can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
● It contributes to SDG 15. As we often emphasize at MAFA, healthy soils sustain a diverse community of microorganisms that help control plant diseases through beneficial symbiotic associations formed at the root level.
Top Priority: Understanding the Soil
At MAFA, we know that in order to conserve soil, it is essential to understand its characteristics and processes, and then apply sustainable practices and products.
This means understanding its composition, functions, and the factors that affect it, as well as using natural solutions that improve its structure and promote its fertility.
By getting to know the soil and applying proper conservation practices, we can protect this vital resource for agriculture, biodiversity, and water quality.
Let’s keep taking care of our soil
because it holds the foundation of life 🌱
