World Soil Day (WSD)

Date: December 5
Theme 2024: Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage

Why Soils Matter

Soil is the foundation of life on Earth. It provides over 95% of our food and supplies 15 out of 18 essential nutrients required for plant growth. Healthy soils are crucial for:

• Food Security: Ensuring nutritious and sufficient food production.
• Climate Action: Capturing carbon and mitigating climate change.
• Biodiversity: Supporting the organisms that live in and depend on soils.

The Threat to Our Soils

Human activities and climate change are severely degrading soils.

• Erosion diminishes soil quality by reducing water infiltration, depleting nutrients, and lowering food quality.
• Degraded soils contribute to food insecurity and exacerbate climate change.

Sustainable Soil Management Practices

The theme of 2024, Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage, highlights the need for:

• Measuring Soil Health: Accurate data helps us understand soil characteristics.
• Monitoring Soil Degradation: Regular observation to detect early signs of erosion or nutrient depletion.
• Managing Soils Sustainably: Practices like:
  • Minimum tillage: Reducing soil disturbance.
  • Crop rotation: Diversifying crops to maintain soil nutrients.
  • Adding organic matter: Using compost or manure to improve fertility.
  • Cover cropping: Protecting soil with vegetation to prevent erosion.

These methods enhance soil fertility, preserve biodiversity, and promote carbon sequestration—a key tool in fighting climate change.

World Soil Day: A Decade of Awareness

World Soil Day was established to raise awareness about the vital role of soil in sustaining life.

• 2002: Proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).
• 2013: Officially endorsed by the FAO and adopted by the UN General Assembly.
• 2014: Celebrated as the first official World Soil Day.

How to Participate

• Raise Awareness: Use FAO’s materials and social media tools to promote the importance of healthy soils.
• Join Events: Explore worldwide activities focused on sustainable soil management and soil health.
• Advocate: Share the message of Caring for soils to ensure policymakers and communities recognize the importance of soil conservation.

Call to Action

Soil health is critical to the planet’s survival. By adopting sustainable soil management practices and supporting efforts to measure and monitor soil health, we can:

• Protect ecosystems.
• Ensure food security.
• Fight climate change.

Let’s care for our soils today to secure a sustainable future for generations to come!

Visit the FAO’s website for resources and information on events related to World Soil Day 2024.