World Soil Day 2024: Importance, Theme, and Challenges
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | World Soil Day is observed annually on5th December. The 2024 theme is"Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage". This year marks the10th global celebration, hosted by Thailand. |
| Significance | - Highlights the importance ofhealthy soil. - Advocatessustainable soil managementfor food security and ecological balance. |
| Theme 2024 | "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage"focuses on the importance ofsoil datafor sustainable decision-making. |
| Background | - Proposed byInternational Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)in 2002. - Officially recognized by theUN General Assemblyin 2013. - Date chosen to honorKing Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. |
| Significance of Soil | - Supportsplant lifewith nutrients, water, and minerals. - Essential forbiodiversityand carbon storage. - Vital forfood productionand climate change mitigation. |
| Key Facts About Soil | -95% of foodcomes from soil. -33% of soilis degraded. - Takes1,000 yearsto form 2-3 cm of soil. -58% more foodcan be produced with sustainable soil management. |
| Salt-Affected Soils | - Found inarid,semi-arid, andcoastal areas. - Costs$27.3 billion annuallyin crop loss. |
| Types of Salt-Affected Soils | 1.Saline Soils: Contain excesssoluble salts, hindering water absorption by plants. 2.Sodic Soils: Highsodium ionsdamage soil structure, compacting it. |
| Solutions for Salinization | - Usesalt-tolerant plants. - Ensure irrigation water has low salt content. - Addorganic matterandgypsumto improve soil. - Usemulchingto reduce evaporation. |
| Economic Impact | Soil degradation and salinization cost$27.3 billion annuallyin lost crop productivity. |