Irreparable consequences of soil erosion on human and ecosystem health

09/12/2022

Soil erosion can have irreparable effects on both human and ecosystem health. India has taken several
initiatives in this direction which need to be sustained
and improved upon sustainably to ensure healthy soil and
ultimately a healthy planet. The communication link between all the stakeholders for the management and restoration of degraded soils should be strengthened. Timely dissemination of evidence-based information
is also essential. Successful conservation practices
and clean and sustainable technologies should be
provided to all target beneficiaries. Citizens can
contribute by planting trees, developing and maintaining kitchen gardens, and consuming seasonal and locally sourced food.


Soil erosion is taking place in 145 million hectares in India, it is estimated that 96.40 million hectares (about 30 percent of the total geographical area) are affected by land degradation. Globally, the biophysical status of 5,670 million hectares of land is declining, of which 1,660 million hectares (29 percent) are due to human-induced land degradation, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization's 'Status of Land, Soil and Water' report. is responsible for.
World Soil Day is celebrated every year on 5 December. The theme of World Soil Day 2022 is 'Soil: Where Food Begins'. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy soils, ecosystems, and human well-being through sustainable soil management. Healthy soil is very essential for human existence. Healthy soil helps in the growth of healthy plants. and increases both nutrition and water percolation to maintain groundwater levels.
Soil also regulates the planet's
climate by storing carbon and is the second largest carbon sink after the oceans. In addition, healthy soils maintain a landscape that is more resistant to drought and flooding. Soil health is important for healthy food production because soils are the foundation of food systems.
Healthy soil is essential for our existence. They support healthy plant growth to increase both our nutrition and water percolation to maintain groundwater levels. Soil helps regulate the planet's climate by storing carbon and is the second largest carbon sink after the oceans. They help maintain a landscape that is more resilient to the effects of drought and flooding.
Healthy soil is a key element of sustainable food production as about 95 percent of global food production depends on soil. Soil degradation around the world can have devastating effects such as increased pollution, desertification, and a decline in global food production. Healthy soil is a living, dynamic ecosystem, filled with micro- and macro-organisms that perform many important functions, including nutrient cycling. works.
The major threats to soil are nutrient loss and pollution, which are responsible for undermining food and nutritional security globally.
The main drivers of soil erosion are agriculture, mining, industrial activities, waste treatment, fossil fuel extraction and processing, and transportation emissions.
Soil erosion, runoff, leaching, and burning of crop residues are the major causes of loss of soil nutrients.
Soil erosion directly or indirectly affects 29% of the total land area of India. As a result, it threatens agricultural productivity, water quality, biodiversity conservation, and the socio-economic well-being of land-dependent communities. About 3.7 million hectares of land are affected by soil nutrient deficiency (i.e. lack of organic matter in the soil). In addition, uncontrolled use of fertilizers and pesticides and irrigation with contaminated wastewater also add to soil pollution.
controlling plant disease, and insect and weed pests; Improving soil structure is essential, with a positive effect on the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients. Soil erosion not only affects fertility but also increases the risk of floods and landslides. It is a global challenge that is exacerbated by food insecurity, high food prices,
climate change, environmental
hazards, & loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Affects everyone.
As consumers and citizens, we can contribute to protecting topsoil by planting trees, developing and maintaining home/kitchen gardens, and consuming primarily locally sourced and seasonal foods. Soil erosion can have irreparable effects on both human and ecosystem health. India has taken several initiatives in this direction which need to be sustained and improved upon sustainably to ensure healthy soil and ultimately a healthy planet.
The communication link between all the stakeholders for the management and restoration of degraded soils should be strengthened. Timely dissemination of evidence-based information is also essential. Successful conservation practices and clean and sustainable technologies should be provided to all target beneficiaries. Citizens can contribute by planting trees, developing and maintaining kitchen gardens, and consuming seasonal and locally sourced food.
(Research Scholar in Political Science,Poet, freelance journalist, and columnist, Ubba Bhawan, Aryanagar, Hisar (Haryana)-127045. Views expressed are personal.)

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