As the world races to feed a projected population of 9.1 billion by 2050, the future of agriculture hinges on a critical but often overlooked resource: soil. Soil degradation, driven by unsustainable farming practices and climate change, threatens global food security and ecological balance. Against this backdrop, the Global Soils Conference 2024, took place on November 19–22 at the NASC Complex in New Delhi, marks a pivotal moment in the global effort to restore soil health.
Organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the conference addressed the multifaceted challenges of soil degradation, food insecurity, and climate change under the theme “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation and Ecosystem Services.“
The Alarming State of Soil: Threat to Food Security
Global Soil Crisis
The United Nations (UN) has issued a stark warning: if soil degradation continues at its current rate, the planet will have only 60 years of cultivable soil left, which is a threat to food security. Globally, the equivalent of one acre of fertile soil is lost every second, and the organic matter content in many agricultural soils has fallen well below the required 3–6% threshold, with some regions reporting less than 1%.
This degradation isn’t just a farming issue—it’s a crisis that threatens food security, accelerates biodiversity loss, and disrupts ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and water filtration. Left unchecked, soil degradation could lead to global famines, economic instability, and resource conflicts in the coming decades.
The Indian Context: Degraded Soils, Diminished Yields
India, home to 18% of the world’s population but only 2.4% of its land area, faces an acute soil crisis. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), nearly 30% of India’s total land area is degraded. Key drivers include:
- Soil Erosion: India loses about 5.3 billion tons of soil annually due to water and wind erosion.
- Nutrient Imbalance: Decades of excessive chemical fertilizer use have led to nutrient imbalances, with macro and micronutrient deficiencies becoming widespread.
- Salinization and Waterlogging: Affecting an estimated 6.73 million hectares, these issues further reduce arable land.
- Declining Soil Organic Carbon (SOC): Indian soils show an average organic carbon content of less than 0.5%, far below optimal levels.
The Role of Soil in Ecosystem Services and Climate Mitigation
Soil is much more than a medium for growing crops. It plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services such as:
- Carbon Sequestration: Healthy soils act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change. Soils store approximately 2,500 gigatons of carbon globally, more than the atmosphere and all plant life combined.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: A single gram of soil can harbor billions of organisms, from bacteria and fungi to nematodes and arthropods, all contributing to nutrient cycling and plant growth.
- Water Regulation: Soils improve water infiltration and storage, reducing the risk of floods and droughts.
- Pollution Filtration: Soils act as natural filters, breaking down pollutants and maintaining water quality.
Revitalizing Soil: Science, Technology, and Policy Interventions
1. Technological Innovations in Soil Management
India is at the forefront of integrating technology into agriculture, with a focus on revitalizing soil health:
- Precision Agriculture: Technologies such as drones, IoT sensors, and AI-driven platforms provide real-time soil health data, enabling farmers to optimize fertilizer and water use.
- Biochar: Companies are developing biochar as a soil amendment to enhance organic carbon levels, water retention, and microbial activity.
- Soil Testing and Mapping: Startups and government initiatives are creating detailed soil health maps using geospatial technologies, helping farmers adopt location-specific interventions.
- Regenerative Farming Practices: Innovations like zero tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping are being adopted to rebuild soil organic matter and biodiversity.
2. National Policies and Missions
India’s policy framework demonstrates a strong commitment to soil conservation:
- National Mission on Natural Farming (Rs 2,481 crore): Promotes eco-friendly agricultural practices, such as bio-fertilizers and organic inputs, to restore soil biodiversity.
- Soil Health Card Scheme: Launched in 2015, the scheme has issued over 23 crore cards, guiding farmers on soil nutrient needs and sustainable farming methods.
- National Project on Organic Farming: Supports the transition to organic farming to preserve soil fertility and ecosystem health.
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme: Focuses on reducing soil erosion and improving water conservation across degraded landscapes.
3. Global Collaborations
The Global Soils Conference 2024 served as a platform for fostering international partnerships in soil science research, policymaking, and sustainable land management. Participants shared best practices and cutting-edge research to address challenges like land degradation, climate resilience, and food security.
Conference Highlights and Expected Outcomes
The conference covered comprehensive agenda, including:
- Keynote and Plenary Sessions: Featured renowned soil scientists and climate experts.
- Industry Interface and Farmer Engagement: Bridged the gap between scientific research and grassroots practices.
- Student Meets: Encouraged the next generation to engage in soil conservation efforts.
Also read: Role of Agricultural Engineers Emphasized at 36th National Conference, Seminar
Expected outcomes include:
- Global Soil Management Recommendations: Strategies for combating soil degradation and enhancing ecosystem services.
- Enhanced Partnerships: Between nations, industries, and academic institutions.
- Increased Awareness: Among policymakers and the public about the critical role of soils in global sustainability.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
The Global Soils Conference 2024 and India’s National Mission on Natural Farming represent significant strides in tackling soil degradation and food security. However, the path to sustainable soil management requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders—farmers, scientists, policymakers, and consumers.
As the conference brings global attention to the vital issue of food security and soil degradation, it underscores a simple but profound truth: saving soil is not just about agriculture; it’s about securing the future of life on Earth. Without healthy soils, there can be no food, no ecosystems, and no future.
