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5 December 2023 is the United Nations World Soil Day (WSD). This year's campaign, "Soil and water: a source of life" highlights the interconnectedness of soil and water and the need for integrated management in addressing global soil and water challenges.
More than 95 percent of our food is produced on land beginning with soil and water. Water is crucial for nutrient absorption by plants. Soil degradation puts increasing pressure on water resources, and soil erosion and compaction reduce water infiltration and retention, leading to decreased water availability for plants and organisms. Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum or zero tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, reduce soil degradation, enhance water retention, increase carbon sequestration, preserve soil biodiversity, improve soil health and fertility, and make soil a valuable ally for food and water security and for climate mitigation and adaptation.
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