World Soil Day

World Soil Day is on December 5 each year, and it’s an important date to remember! Soil is a vital part of our lives – it provides food and other benefits, yet it is often overlooked. Unfortunately, poor management of soil is one of the most significant issues that our society is facing today.

History

World Soil Day was established in 2002 by the International Society of Soil Science, with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of soil conservation for future generations. In 2015, the celebration was extended throughout the year to involve activists from various parts of the world in the mission. Currently, there are 60,000 passionate people working towards this global cause.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to engage the general public on the issue – many people don’t even realize how serious the problem of soil pollution is, and what it means for our future. Therefore, there is still a lot of work to be done. After reading this article, hopefully, you will be inspired to join the team and spread the word about World Soil Day in your own environment.

Interesting facts

• One hectare of healthy soil contains around 400 kg of earthworms and 200 kg of other microorganisms.
• Soil is not only important for agriculture – it is also a habitat for insects.
• It takes a long time for layers of soil to form – over 100 years, only 2 cm is produced.
• The soil contains a huge number of antibiotics that can be used to treat diseases.
• Biodiversity is a key factor in the development of soil.
• Microorganisms in the soil work constantly to maintain its condition.
• Currently, only 1% of the insects that live in the deeper layers of soil have been studied.

How to take part

You can help raise awareness for World Soil Day by talking to people in your community about it, researching the events taking place on the day, and finding organizations that are involved in the cause. Additionally, you can read up on the various threats that soil is facing, and share your knowledge with others.

When is World Soil Day in 2024?

World Soil Day is observed on December 5 each year.

Observations