World Soil Day 2023: History, significance, and theme

Every year on December 5, people all over the world celebrate World Soil Day (WSD), an event that highlights the critical role soil plays in sustaining life on Earth. This annual event serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between soil, plants, animals, and humans, emphasising the importance of preserving and protecting this priceless resource.

Each year, World Soil Day is given a different theme that focuses on a different aspect of soil health and conservation. These topics have been carefully selected to address current issues and promote sustainable practises.

Many activities are also held on the occasion by organisations and institutions to ensure that the celebration remains relevant and educational, encouraging individuals and communities to take concrete actions.

World Soil Day 2023: History

The annual World Soil Day aims to highlight the importance of maintaining healthy soil and advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) proposed establishing an international day to celebrate soil. World Soil Day was formally established as a global awareness platform with leadership from the Kingdom of Thailand and support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) within the Global Soil Partnership framework.

The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed it in June 2013, urging its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. As a result, on December 5, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared it the first World Soil Day.

World Soil Day 2023: Significance

Soil is a limited resource that is an important component of the natural environment. It is essential for food production, water filtration, carbon storage, and biodiversity support. However, soil degradation, erosion, and pollution endanger its health and productivity. The goal of World Soil Day is to raise awareness of these issues and advocate for sustainable soil management practises to ensure the well-being of current and future generations.

World Soil Day 2023: Theme

The theme of World Soil Day 2023, according to the United Nations (UN), is 'Soil and water, a source of life.' According to the UN, "our planet's survival depends on the precious link between soil and water."

These two basic resources provide more than 95 percent of our food. Soil water, which is essential for plant nutrient absorption, holds our ecosystems together. Our agricultural systems are built on this symbiotic relationship."

It goes on to say that, as a result of climate change and human activity, our soils are degrading, putting undue strain on our water resources. Erosion upsets the natural balance by decreasing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life.

Minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping are examples of sustainable soil management practises that improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and improve water infiltration and storage. These practises also help to preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, all of which help to combat climate change.