World Soil Day 2024 Date, Theme, and Its History
World Soil Day 2024 is being celebrated on December 5, 2024. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of soil and the significance of soil conservation.
Deeksha Dixit5 Dec, 2024
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World Soil Day 2024 is being observed on December 5th to highlight the crucial role that soil plays in supporting ecosystems, food production, and overall environmental health. This year’s theme for Soil Day is "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage" .
World Soil Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the importance of healthy soil in ensuring food security, promoting biodiversity, and combating climate change. It’s an opportunity for individuals and nations to come together to protect one of the Earth’s most valuable resources.World Soil Day 2024 Overview
World Soil Day is observed annually on 5th December to highlight the critical role of soil in supporting life on Earth. Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this global event raises awareness about soil health and encourages sustainable practices to combat soil degradation.| World Soil Day 2024 Overview | |
| Date | December 5, 2024 |
| Theme | Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage |
| Established By | International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) |
| History | Adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2013 |
| Purpose | Raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil and sustainable soil management. |
| Key Activities | Educational campaigns, workshops, seminars, and events promoting soil conservation and sustainable practices. |
| Celebration in India | Workshops, awareness programs, and soil health campaigns by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
World Soil Day Theme 2024
The theme for World Soil Day 2024 is "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage. " This theme emphasizes the critical role of accurate soil data and information in assessing soil health and guiding effective decision-making. By prioritizing the measurement, monitoring, and management of soils, we can implement sustainable practices that are essential for ensuring food security and safeguarding environmental health.History of World Soil Day
World Soil Day was officially established following a resolution by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002 , proposing December 5 as a day to celebrate soil. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) endorsed this initiative, and in 2013, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted it. World Soil Day was designated on December 5, the birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailan d, who significantly contributed to soil conservation initiatives. Finally, December 5, 2014, was celebrated as the first official World Soil Day.What is Soil?
Soil is an active, porous medium that forms the uppermost layer of the Earth's surface. It contains a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, water, and living organisms. These components work together to support plant growth and sustain various soil organisms. The primary and secondary nutrients of soil are:- Primary Nutrients : Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)
- Secondary Nutrients : Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulphur (S)
Image Credit: NCERT
Types of Soil in India
India’s diverse geography gives rise to various soil types, which play a crucial role in determining agricultural practices and crop suitability. Some of the major types of soil in India are:| Types | Features | Location |
| Alluvial Soils | Includes Khadar and Bhangar types, replenished by seasonal floods, rich in potash and lime, highly fertile | Plains of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and river deltas |
| Black Soil | Also known as 'Regur Soil', it is clayey, impermeable, and rich in lime, iron, and alumina, making it ideal for cotton cultivation. | Predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau, parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. |
| Red and Yellow Soil | Well-drained and fertile, the red or yellow coloration is due to iron content; often lacks nitrogen and phosphorus. | Common in the Deccan Plateau, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the Middle Ganga Plain. |
| Laterite Soil | Formed in regions with high temperature and heavy rainfall, low in humus, acidic, and suitable for making bricks | Peninsular Plateau, including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Ranchi, and Assam. |
| Arid Soil | Sandy, saline, low in organic matter, and ranges from red to yellow in color | Arid regions of western Rajasthan |
| Peaty Soils | Heavy, black in color, rich in organic matter and humus | Areas with abundant rainfall and high humidity, such as northern Bihar, southern Uttarakhand, and coastal parts of West Bengal, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu |
| Forest Soils | The texture varies with the region; acidic in snow-covered areas but fertile in lower valleys. | Forested regions with adequate rainfall, including the Himalayan region, Western and Eastern Ghats, and some areas of the Peninsular Platea |
| Saline Soils | Salty, varying from sandy to loamy, deficient in nitrogen but high in sodium and potassium. | Arid, semi-arid, waterlogged regions, deltas, and the Sundarbans. |
Soil Degradation
Soil degradation refers to the decline in soil quality due to factors such as erosion, deforestation, overgrazing, and industrial activities. This global issue threatens food security, water quality, and biodiversity. Here is why soil degradation is a serious problem:- Threatens Food Security : Reduces crop yields and makes food production less reliable.
- Affects Water Quality : It leads to runoff and pollution, impacting freshwater supplies.
- Loss of Biodiversity : Destroys natural habitats, reducing wildlife and plant diversity.
- Economic Impact: Increases farming costs and threatens farmers' livelihoods.
- Climate Change Amplification : Reduces carbon storage and increases vulnerability to extreme weather.
- Social and Health Issues: Contributes to food insecurity and nutrient-deficient diets.
Initiatives for Soil Conservation in India
India has launched several initiatives to promote soil health and sustainable agricultural practices. Key initiatives include:- Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides farmers with information on soil quality and nutrient recommendations.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) : Focuses on climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) : Aims to restore degraded lands and improve water availability.
- National Afforestation Programme (NAP): Encourages afforestation to combat soil erosion.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Educate farmers on sustainable soil management practices.
World Soil Day Award
The World Soil Day Award, or King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award , is an annual recognition sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand to honor individuals and organizations that have significantly advanced soil awareness and successfully organized World Soil Day celebrations. First awarded during the 6th Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly , the award includes a medal and a cash prize of USD 15,000. World Soil Day Award 2024 will be announced in December 2024.| UPSC Related Articles | ||
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World Soil Day 2024 FAQs
What is World Soil Day?
World Soil Day, celebrated on December 5th, raises awareness about the importance of healthy soil and promotes sustainable soil management.
Why is World Soil Day celebrated?
It highlights soil’s crucial role in ecosystems, food production, and environmental health, and encourages actions to prevent soil degradation.
Whose birthday is celebrated as World Soil Day?
World Soil Day is celebrated on December 5th, the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, a proponent of soil conservation.
What is the theme of World Soil Day in 2024?
The theme for 2024 is "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage," focusing on the importance of data for soil health management.
Who got the first World Soil Day award?
The first World Soil Day Award was given to Practical Action Bangladesh for its contributions to soil conservation in 2018.
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