“A cloak of loose, soft material, held to the Earth’s hard surface by gravity, is all that lies between life and lifelessness.”
– Wallace H. Fuller-
The Earth; The world of blues and greens; An oasis of life. Here, blue oceans and green lands nurture countless forms of life in their unique ways. Among them, humans are just another species, planting their roots on the green lands.
The greenery—trees, plants, and forests—plays a vital role in our lives. It feeds us, gives us breath, preserves our water, and so much more. But have you ever wondered what lies beneath this beautiful greenery?
It’s the soil. The foundation that holds all the green and supports lives that walk upon it. The rich brown that reflects the warmth of mother nature.
Soil is the upper layer of the Earth’s surface, consisting of a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. Soil is essential for supporting plant growth, storing water, and providing a habitat for numerous organisms. It plays a crucial role in agriculture, ecosystems, and the Earth’s overall health.
As we often see, people tend to focus on what’s visible on the surface, neglecting what lies beneath. This is exactly what’s happening with the soil. We work hard to protect trees and forests but often forget about the soil that sustains them.
Recognizing this oversight, World Soil Day (WSD) serves as a reminder of the crucial role soil plays and emphasize the need to protect and manage soil resources sustainably. This year’s theme, “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” highlights three critical steps:
Measure: Collect accurate data about soil properties, such as fertility, pH, and organic content, to understand its current state.
Monitor: Regularly track soil health to detect changes and identify risks like erosion, contamination, or depletion.
Manage: Use this information to implement sustainable practices that maintain or improve soil quality. This includes reducing harmful farming techniques, minimizing deforestation, and promoting soil conservation methods.
These efforts are essential for securing our food supply, protecting ecosystems, and advancing global sustainability goals. Preserving soil quality contributes to maintaining clean water systems, as soil acts as a natural filter for water, preventing contamination. This also helps mitigate climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Written by: Aparna Nanayakkara
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