World Soil Day 2021 Message
Often ignored and seldom appreciated, the wonderful world of soil is not the natural resource often discussed or cared about. However, that notion needs to be changed. Do you know why? Because soil is forgiving - soil is a dynamic resource that can be restored and used again in the lifetime of a human. Are you worried about global warming? Then be happy that soil sequesters about 2x the amount of carbon found in all vegetation and the atmosphere combined! Enjoy eating? You would likely starve to death if you could not eat plants that grow in soil. Like breathing? You probably would not be breathing if there was no soil for plants to grow to produce the oxygen keeping you alive. And imagine a world where nothing that died decomposed. Well, I bet you REALLY like soil now!
For all these reasons, it is high time that World Soil Day became known to more people than just scientists concerned about our planet's welfare. The United Nations World Soil Day on December 5th is an annual event to focus on the importance of healthy soil and advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
The theme of World Soil Day 2021 is "Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity." It aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human wellbeing by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization, increasing soil awareness, and encouraging societies to improve soil health.
Soil salinization is a significant soil degradation process that threatens the ecosystem and is recognized as the most critical global problem for agricultural production, food security, and sustainability. Salt-affected soils have severe impacts on soil functions, such as decreasing agricultural productivity, water quality, soil biodiversity, and soil erosion. Salt-affected soils have a reduced ability to act as a buffer and filter against pollutants. Salt-affected soils reduce both the ability of crops to take up water and the availability of micronutrients. They also concentrate ions that are toxic to plants and may degrade the soil structure.
The success of World Soil Day depends on you and everyone's involvement! All around the world, people use the day to inform and inspire. A general engagement, both individual and collective, is required for disseminating knowledge and awareness of the soil beneath our feet. World Soil Day also encourages mindfulness. It keeps us connected to the earth. Staying rooted makes us slow down and pay attention to things that matter. Happy World Soil Day 2021!
