World Soil Day

World Soil Day History

World Soil Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil and its crucial role in food production, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. This global event emphasizes the need for sustainable soil management practices to ensure soil fertility preservation, soil erosion reduction, and soil biodiversity protection. In a country like Canada, with its vast agricultural lands and diverse ecosystems, the health of our soil plays a significant role in the national economy and food security.

The idea for World Soil Day originated in 2002 from the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of natural systems and human well-being. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated December 5th as World Soil Day to recognize the importance of healthy soils for a sustainable future. For Canadians, the observance of World Soil Day brings attention to the multitude of agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, cover crops, and conservation tillage, which contribute to soil health and productivity and support the nation's position as one of the major food producers globally. Furthermore, Canada's vast peatlands and boreal forests play a significant role in global carbon sequestration, making soil health a vital component of climate change mitigation efforts.

World Soil Day is commemorated in Canada through various events, educational initiatives, and awareness campaigns led by organizations such as the Canadian Society of Soil Science and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. These activities aim to engage citizens, farmers, researchers, and policymakers in discussions about sustainable soil management practices and the importance of soil health in addressing current environmental challenges. By observing and participating in World Soil Day events, Canadians do their part to contribute to global efforts to promote the importance of healthy soils for a sustainable and food-secure future.

World Soil Day facts

• The theme for World Soil Day in 2024 was Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage. In 2023 the theme was Keep soil alive, protect biodiversity.
• According to the U.N, an estimated 90% of organisms live or spend part of their life cycle in soil.
• As water seeps through layers of soil, it gets purified. Soil microbes act like a filter, cleaning the water before it reaches groundwater reserves.
• Canada's prairie region, known as the "breadbasket of the country," contains one of the most fertile and productive soils globally, known as Chernozems. These soils are responsible for the high agricultural outputs in crops such as wheat, barley, and canola.
• Canadian soils have been shaped by various factors such as climate, parent material, vegetation, topography, and time. Parent material is influenced by glaciation, which occurred during the last Ice Age, and by volcanic and sedimentary processes.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Soil Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Soil Day

• Practice soil conservation and preservation in your community by using mulch in your lawn. You can also plant cover crops which will help manage soil erosion and preserve soil quality.
• Help promote and raise awareness about World Soil Day. The Food and Agriculture Organization site has posters and Materials that can aid in the campaign to highlight the importance of soil.
• Check if any nearby museums or science centers have exhibits or displays on soil health and conservation. Plan a visit with friends or family to learn more about the topic and its significance.
• Purchase organic, locally sourced food products to encourage sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health. This supports local farmers and their efforts to maintain healthy soil ecosystems.