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 our society faces today.

History

World Soil Day was established in 2002 by the International Union of Soil Sciences, 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 worldwide in the mission. Today, more than 60,000 passionate people work toward this global cause.

Engaging the general public remains a challenge — many people don’t realize how serious soil pollution is or what it means for our future. We hope this article inspires you to join the effort and spread the word about World Soil Day in your community.

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’s also a habitat for countless insects.
• Soil formation is extremely slow: it takes over 100 years to produce just 2 cm of topsoil.
• Soil hosts a vast array of antibiotic-producing microbes that may be used to treat diseases.
• Biodiversity is a key factor in maintaining healthy soil structure and fertility.
• Microorganisms in soil work constantly to recycle nutrients and maintain its condition.
• Only about 1 percent of soil-dwelling insect species have been formally studied.

How to take part

You can help raise awareness for World Soil Day by talking to people in your community, researching events in your area, and connecting with organizations involved in soil conservation. Read up on the various threats soil faces, and share your knowledge with friends and family.

When is World Soil Day in 2025?

World Soil Day is observed on December 5 each year.

Observations