On December 5, 2024, the world marks World Soil Day under the theme, “Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage.” This observance highlights the critical role of soil in sustaining life on Earth and underscores the urgent need for sustainable soil management practices.
Soil is more than just the ground beneath our feet—it is the foundation of our planet’s survival. Over 95% of our food relies on healthy soil, which supplies essential nutrients to plants and supports biodiversity. Yet, soil is a finite resource. It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just 2-3 centimeters of topsoil, making its preservation vital.
Human activity and climate change are accelerating soil degradation. Erosion disrupts water infiltration and reduces the nutrients available in food, threatening food security and the health of ecosystems. Sustainable practices like minimum tillage, crop rotation, and organic matter addition are essential to reversing these impacts.
World Soil Day was officially established by the UN in 2014, thanks to the efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Global Soil Partnership. This year marks its 10th anniversary as a global platform to advocate for soil health and sustainable management.
The 2024 campaign emphasizes the importance of gathering accurate soil data to inform decisions on soil management. By improving soil health, we can increase agricultural productivity by up to 58%, a crucial step in meeting the anticipated 60% rise in food demand by 2050.
Join the Celebration
The 10th-anniversary event will be held in Thailand and online, offering a chance for global participation. The FAO website provides a wealth of resources, including educational materials, global event listings, and details on initiatives like the Soil Doctors Programme, which empowers farmers with sustainable soil management skills.
This World Soil Day, let’s celebrate the ground beneath us and commit to practices that ensure its health for generations to come. Soil is life—measure it, monitor it, manage it.
Learn more and join the movement at FAO World Soil Day.
