Healthy soil is key to food security, yet erosion and overuse are degrading farmland.
World Soil Day is observed on December 5 to highlight the importance of healthy soil. The UN General Assembly designated the day in 2013, and it was first officially observed in 2014, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization.
December 5 was chosen to honour the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, a strong supporter of the initiative.
Soil provides most of the world's food, filters water and stores carbon. But erosion, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and loss of organic matter are degrading farmland in many regions.
Farmers are encouraged to adopt crop rotation, organic manure, balanced fertiliser use and soil testing. In India, the Soil Health Card scheme helps farmers understand the nutrient needs of their land.
