05-12-2024
08:30 AM
World Soil Day is observed on 5th December every year, with the focus on the critical importance of soil on earth. More than 95% of human existence and dependent on soil because it is the primary source where food is grown. Hence the health of soil is directly aligned with human survival and the well-being of the planet. World Soil Day 2024 is trying the bring awareness about the accurate soil data and sustainable practices that ensure food, security and climate change.
The United Nations General Assembly officially recognised World Soil Day in the year 2014 to highlight the significance of soil. This day is celebrated every year to spread awareness on sustainable management of soil resources. World Soil Day celebrations are organised under the guidance of the International Union of Soil Science and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation. (FAO)
World Soil Day 2024 Overview | |
Aspect | Details |
Event Name | World Soil Day 2024 |
Date | December 5, 2024 |
Theme | Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage |
Established By | International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) |
Official Recognition | Endorsed by FAO in 2013, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2013 |
Purpose | To raise awareness about the importance of healthy soils and advocate for sustainable management practices |
Significance | Highlights soil’s role in food security, climate action, and environmental resilience |
Key Activities | Campaigns, educational events, workshops, and advocacy for sustainable soil management |
Global Observance | Celebrated worldwide by governments, organisations, and communities |
The concept of World Soil Day was put forward in 2022 by the International Union of Soil Sciences and was officially accepted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation in 2013. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the day in 2013 and finally December 5 was chosen as a date of celebration in honor of Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who was a key supporter in this soil conservation initiative.
The theme of World Soil Day 2024 is Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage. This Theme represents the need for accurate soil data to guide sustainable management practices. Accurate calculation of soil data can help in:
Soil is the most important natural resource that supports human life in ways of agriculture, biodiversity, water purification etc. however, to spread awareness about the increasing threats like erosion, deforestation and industrial activities World Soil day is celebrated for the following reasons:
India’s diverse demographic environment supports different types of soil, each having its own unique characteristics and sustainability for specific crops. Here is a list of soils found in India:
Types of Soil Found in India | |||
Type of Soil | Characteristics | Regions Found | Crops Grown |
Alluvial Soil | Fertile, rich in nutrients, loamy | Indo-Gangetic Plains | Wheat, rice, sugarcane |
Black Soil | Retains moisture, rich in lime | Deccan Plateau | Cotton, sorghum, millet |
Red Soil | Sandy, rich in iron | Eastern and Southern India | Groundnuts, pulses, millet |
Laterite Soil | Acidic, poor in fertility | Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats | Cashew, tea, coffee |
Desert Soil | Sandy, low in organic matter | Rajasthan, Gujarat | Millets, barley |
Mountain Soil | Rich in organic matter | Himalayan Region | Tea, apples, cardamom |
Soils are under increasing threat from degradation, pollution, and unsustainable practices, jeopardizing their fertility, disrupting ecosystems, and endangering global food security. Urgent action is required to address these critical challenges:
Human activities, such as uncontrolled grazing, deforestation, and population pressures, contribute to desert-like conditions in arid regions. This exacerbates:
Addressing these challenges requires sustainable soil management practices, policy interventions, and public awareness to ensure the long-term health and productivity of this vital resource.
India faces significant challenges in soil conservation due to factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural practices. To address these issues, the government and various organizations have implemented a range of strategies:
Planting trees is a key measure to combat soil erosion, as tree roots stabilize the soil while the canopy provides protection against wind and water.
Programs like the Integrated Watershed Development Program (IWDP) aim to conserve soil and water resources, ensuring sustainable use and restoring degraded ecosystems.
In hilly regions, terrace farming is adopted to reduce water runoff and prevent soil erosion by creating level platforms for cultivation.
This technique involves ploughing along the natural contours of a slope, conserving water and significantly reducing soil erosion.
Promoting organic farming practices reduces reliance on chemical inputs, thereby preserving soil health and maintaining its fertility over time.
The Indian government introduced the Soil Health Card Scheme to provide farmers with detailed assessments of their soil's nutrient status, along with tailored recommendations for fertilizer use to optimize soil productivity.
These measures collectively contribute to preserving India's soil resources, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering environmental resilience.
Also Read about: International Volunteer Day 2024
Q1. What is the theme for World Soil Day 2024?
Ans. The theme for World Soil Day 2024 is Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage.
Q2. Why is 5th December a World Soil Day?
Ans. 5th December is observed as World Soil Day to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, a soil conservation advocate, whose birthday falls on this day.
Q3. What is the slogan of World Soil Day?
Ans. The slogan of World Soil Day is "Halt Soil Erosion, Save our Future."
Q4. What is celebrated on 5 December?
Ans. World Soil Day is celebrated on 5th December to raise awareness about soil health and its critical role in sustainable development.
Q5. When was the first International Soil Day?
Ans. The first official World Soil Day was celebrated on 5th December 2014.
Q6. What is the theme of World Soil Day 2014?
Ans. The theme of World Soil Day 2014 was "Healthy Soils for a Healthy Life."
Q7. What is the study of dirt called?
Ans. The study of dirt (soil) is called Pedology.
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