The United Nations commemorates December 5th each year as World Soil Day. The occasion serves to honor the late King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, for his lifelong commitment to raising awareness about the importance of sustainable soil management and rehabilitation for food security, poverty alleviation, and beyond.
Established in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the World Soil Day operates under the aegis of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Global Soil Partnership. The UN General Assembly officially recognized the first World Soil Day on 5th December 2014. For 2023, it is celebrated under the theme “Soil and Water, a Source of Life.”
The Intricate Link: Soil Micronutrients and Human Nutrition
A breakthrough study by US and Australian researchers laid out the connection between soil micronutrient levels and the nutritional well-being of individuals in India. The study reveals that soil composition directly affects the levels of essential micronutrients like zinc and iron in crops.
Low soil zinc levels have been linked to higher instances of stunting and underweight children as zinc plays an instrumental role in growth and immune system function. Similarly, iron availability in soil correlates with the prevalence of anemia, given iron’s critical role in hemoglobin production for oxygen transport in the body. Populations consuming crops from soil deficient in zinc, iron, and other micronutrients are likely to experience these nutritional deficiencies.
Efficacious Solutions for Micronutrient Deficiencies
The study suggests applying zinc to crops growing in zinc-deficient soils. This can increase yields of rice, wheat, maize, and oats by over 75% more than using only nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. Zinc-enriched fertilizers can enhance soil zinc for three to four years after application, marking it as a potentially effective long-term intervention.
India’s Soil Nutrient Deficiency: A Widespread Issue
India’s soil suffers from widespread deficiency of several nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur. An analysis of 0.2 million soil samples from 28 states by scientists associated with the All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Micro- and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants (AICRP-MSPE) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research shows:
– Approximately 36.5% of India’s soil is deficient in zinc.
– About 12.8% of the country’s soil is deficient in iron.
– Boron deficiency is found in 23.4% of soils.
– Copper deficiency is observed in 4.20% of soils.
– Manganese deficiency affects 7.10% of soils.
Moving Towards Soil-Centric Agriculture for Sustainable Future
Shifting towards a soil-centric approach to agriculture will require measures like conservation agriculture techniques, diversified farming practices, embracing innovative solutions, and restoration of nutrient levels. These could include no-till farming, seed-cum-fertiliser drill machines for enhanced water use efficiency, cover crops, agroforestry, smart soil solutions like Bhoomitra and Krishi-RASTAA, carbon farming, reclamation of saline/alkaline soils, and regulation of micronutrient use while minimizing chemical inputs.
Initiatives Aimed at Improving Soil Health
Several initiatives have been launched aimed at improving soil health. They include the Soil Health Card Scheme, Organic Farming, Digital Agriculture, Carbon Farming, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme.
World Soil Day: A Wake-up Call for Sustainable Future
By promoting sustainable land management, biodiversity, and educational outreach, World Soil Day underscores the critical role of soil in Earth’s sustenance. It calls for concerted efforts to preserve and restore soil health, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.
Relevance in UPSC Civil Services Examination
Understanding the intricacies of soil composition and nutrient availability is crucial for the UPSC Civil Services examination. In previous years, questions have been asked regarding the formation of the black cotton soil of India, and the properties of laterite soils. This understanding is essential not just from an examination point of view, but also for forming informed opinions about the growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable farming practices.