World Soil Day

World Soil Day is an annual observance, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of soil preservation and its role in sustaining life on earth. This observance underscores the significance of soil in agriculture, climate change mitigation, biodiversity, and water resource management. Healthy soil is essential for ensuring food security, eradicating poverty and maintaining a clean environment for current and future generations.

Established by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002 and formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, World Soil Day has global resonance, including for South Africa. Soil degradation in the country, caused primarily by erosion, compaction, and pollution, has led to a decline in agricultural productivity. As a result, South African farmers, particularly smallholders, are grappling with the challenges of soil infertility. Furthermore, healthy soil in South Africa is vital for securing water in the face of increasingly erratic rainfall patterns and rising demands on water resources.

In South Africa, World Soil Day is marked by various initiatives, including educational programs, seminars, and awareness campaigns designed to promote sustainable soil management practices. These events target farmers, policy-makers, and the broader public, informing them about responsible soil use and encouraging action towards preserving this critical resource. World Soil Day is observed on the 5th of December each year, emphasizing the need for urgent attention to soil conservation and sustainable soil management in South Africa and around the world.