World Soil Day: How Farmers Are Restoring Soil Health around the Globe
Soil is the foundation of our food supply, rural economies, and even our planetary health. Ahead of World Soil Day, find out how farmers and communities across Africa, India, and Latin America are working to restore this precious resource.
What is World Soil Day?
World Soil Day is an annual event designed to “raise global awareness about the role soils play in agricultural development, ecosystem functions and food security.” Approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, it was celebrated for the first time in 2014.
Why is World Soil Day held on December 5?
The decision to hold the celebration on December 5 each year was not arbitrary. The date coincides with the birthday of King Bhumibol of Thailand. The late king was a prominent global advocate for soil management and championed efforts to combat desertification and soil erosion in Thailand.
Why Healthy Soils Matter
1. Soil and food production
According to the FAO, 95% of the food consumed globally comes directly or indirectly from the soil. In fact, almost 60% of the calories consumed globally come from three staple crops–corn, wheat, and rice–that are highly dependent on healthy soils. If soils were to disappear or degrade, the world would struggle to feed itself, with already marginalized communities most impacted.
2. Soil and farmer livelihoods
Healthy soils are also critical to securing better livelihoods for farmers. Agricultural land degradation is estimated to cost $300 billion annually in foregone productivity, with nearly a quarter of that loss occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, a study carried out by TechnoServe found that by adopting regenerative agriculture practices–including those boosting soil health–coffee farmers could boost their incomes by an average of 62%.
3. Soil as a store of carbon
While trees get most of the attention as stores of carbon, about 80% of Earth’s terrestrial carbon is actually found in soil. When plants undergo photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide, with the carbon forming the plants’ roots, stems, and leaves. When those plants die, fungi, bacteria, and other soil organisms break them down, and a portion of that carbon is stored in the soil as organic matter–sometimes for many years. While research to quantify the role soils could play in carbon sequestration is ongoing, it is well established that healthy soils are important for keeping carbon out of the atmosphere.
4. Threats to soil health
Soils can be a tool in fighting climate change, but they are also victims of it. Changing rainfall patterns—including more intense storms or long dry spells—can reduce soils’ ability to absorb water. When infiltration declines, soils may lose moisture and microbial activity. Heavy rainfall also leads to greater soil erosion, depriving farmers of a critical resource.
Human activity also impacts soil health in other ways. Overuse of synthetic fertilizers can alter soil pH and disrupt nutrient balances. Some pesticides can reduce the diversity and activity of beneficial microbes in the soil. Monocropping reduces plant diversity and limits the organic matter that feeds soil life, leading to a decline in nutrients and carbon over time. Intense tillage and overgrazing break down soil structure, making it more vulnerable to erosion and water loss.
Farmers Restoring Soil Health
Around the world, TechnoServe clients are adopting a range of practices to restore the soils on their farms, boosting their incomes and resilience while protecting a critical natural resource.
Applying mulch in Rwanda
Biruta Jean Bosco struggled to earn a living from his coffee farm in Rwanda–until he began adopting regenerative practices. One of the most important techniques he learned through TechnoServe’s Coffee Farm College was how to properly apply mulch. By applying mulch, he helped his soil retain moisture and prevented weed growth without using herbicides. He also started applying compost to his farm, providing nutrients and organic matter for the soil.
As a result of these and other practices, his coffee harvests increased by 165%. “I feel happy and motivated because, through the adoption of best practices, my coffee production has increased both in volume and quality,” he said.
Combating soil erosion in Puerto Rico
Lying in the middle of the hurricane belt, Puerto Rico is exposed to big storms that produce torrential rain. These rains can cause soil run-off and erosion. Carlos Cordero has adopted a number of practices to protect the soil on his farm, where he grows coffee, citrus, and other crops. He planted vetiver grass, whose deep roots help to keep soil in place. He adopted contour farming techniques, planting along the natural curve of the land to reduce erosion.
In addition, he is using cover crops to retain soil moisture and boost microbial biodiversity. “My father, a lifelong farmer with an industrial mindset, has become convinced of the benefits of these practices and is now implementing them throughout the farm,” he said.
Building a business for biofertilizers in Peru
In rural Peru, members of the César Vallejo savings-and-credit union were not content to just use biofertilizer on their own farms: they created a microenterprise to create it and market it to their neighbors. Made from organic farm waste, effective microorganisms, and minerals, the biofertilizer helps farmers maintain and improve yields while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Emerging research has also found that biofertilizers boost the physical properties of soil.
To show the benefits of the biofertilizer, the savings-and-credit union set up a demonstration garden. “We’re harvesting cucumbers, napa cabbage, and even tomatoes—it’s producing good results,” said Wilder Tucto Aguirre.
Just as farmers like Wilder, Biruta, and Carlos rely on healthy soil for their livelihood, we all depend on it for the food that nourishes us. On World Soil Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the critical resource beneath our feet.
