World Soil Day

World Soil Day History

World Soil Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of soil preservation and its role in sustaining life on earth. This observance underscores the significance of soil in agriculture, climate change mitigation, biodiversity, and water resource management. Healthy soil is essential for ensuring food security, eradicating poverty, and maintaining a clean environment for current and future generations.

Established by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002 and formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, World Soil Day has global resonance, including for South Africa. Soil degradation in the country, caused primarily by erosion, compaction, and pollution, has led to a decline in agricultural productivity. As a result, South African farmers, mainly smallholders, are grappling with the challenges of soil infertility. Furthermore, healthy soil in South Africa is vital for securing water in the face of increasingly erratic rainfall patterns and rising demands on water resources.

In South Africa, World Soil Day is marked by various initiatives, including educational programs, seminars, and awareness campaigns designed to promote sustainable soil management practices. These events target farmers, policy-makers, and the broader public, informing them about responsible soil use and encouraging action towards preserving this critical resource. World Soil Day is observed on the 5th of December each year, emphasizing the need for urgent attention to soil conservation and sustainable soil management in South Africa and around the world.

World Soil Day facts

• The theme for World Soil Day in 2024 was Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage. In 2023 the theme was Keep soil alive, protect biodiversity.
• According to the U.N, an estimated 90% of organisms live or spend part of their life cycle in soil.
• As water seeps through layers of soil, it gets purified. Soil microbes act like a filter, cleaning the water before it reaches groundwater reserves.
• Many South African soils are naturally acidic, requiring regular application of agricultural lime to maintain optimal pH levels for crop growth. Acidic soils can limit plant root growth and nutrient availability, negatively affecting crop yields.
• South Africa experiences periodic droughts and heavy rainfall events, which can lead to soil erosion and runoff. This can result in the loss of valuable topsoil and increased sedimentation in rivers and dams.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Soil Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Soil Day

• Practice soil conservation and preservation in your community by using mulch in your lawn. You can also plant cover crops which will help manage soil erosion and preserve soil quality.
• Help promote and raise awareness about World Soil Day. The Food and Agriculture Organization site has posters and Materials that can aid in the campaign to highlight the importance of soil.
• Provide training sessions and workshops for farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and composting. These initiatives can help improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Support the establishment of community gardens in urban areas and schools. This can cultivate a sense of community, provide educational opportunities for children, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.