‘Be the Solution to Soil Pollution’ this World Soil Day

Soil is a vital part of our environment. It is as important as the plants, animals, rocks, landforms, and rivers. Soil influences the distribution of plant species and provides a habitat for a broad range of organisms.

World Soil Day is celebrated every year on 5^th December. The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), in the year 2002 adopted a resolution suggesting 5^th December as ‘World Soil Day’ to recognize the significance of soil as a vital component of the ecosystem and as an imperative contributor to human well-being.  Under the leadership and guidance of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) supported the official establishment of the World Soil Day as a worldwide awareness raising platform.

The theme of World Soil Day 2018 is ‘Be the Solution to Soil Pollution’.

Due to the many changes that we have made to our earth, some of the impacts are nearly invisible, and soil pollution is a very good example of this. Hence ‘Be the Solution to Soil Pollution’ campaign intends to raise awareness amongst the people and ask them to Stop Soil Pollution.

Presently pollution is a big...big concern, which is also affecting the soil. Soil pollution is a hidden hazard that loiters beneath our feet. It must be noted that one-third of the worldwide soils are already tainted or spoiled. And we may lose more due to this hidden hazard. With the increasing population that is estimated to reach 9 billion by 2050, soil pollution will also increase. Hence we can say that soil pollution is a global problem, which degrades the soil, poisons the air we breathe, water we drink and the food we eat.  

What is soil pollution

Soil pollution is basically the presence of poisonous chemicals in the soil in high concentrations that threaten human health as well as the ecosystem. Soil pollution can be prevented in the following ways:

• By using and promoting biofertilizers and biopesticides.

• By reducing poisonous waste.

• By preventing the use of polythene.

• By paying more attention as to how we use and dispose of pesticides.

• By reducing the use of engine oil and household products that are also considered as soil pollutants.

• By practicing composting, using reusable containers and cotton bags to help prevent deforestation.

To conclude, Soil is significant for the existence of mankind. But, erosion and pollution can rapidly degrade the soils hence we should always try to conserve soil as well as protect it from pollutants, sustaining the ecosystems for generations to come.