On the occasion of the World Soil Day we bring you a new entry in which we talk about the importance of soil and how we can care for and increase its fertility in agricultural productions.
Why is World Soil Day celebrated?
This day is celebrated every 5th December to raise awareness of the importance of healthy soil and to promote its care and conservation through our actions.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations is presenting the following slogan for 2020: "....Keeping the soil alive, protecting soil biodiversity".
Why is soil important?
The soil gives rise to life. Soil stores carbon from the atmosphere and converts it into nutrients and minerals, and is home to small animals, bacteria and other micro-organisms that are essential for plant growth.
However, in recent years, due to climate change and human actions, the proportion of fertile soil on the planet has been reduced in a worrying way.
In agriculture, this would have devastating effects on the production level and quality of crops, and consequently on the ability to supply food for the world's population.
How can we help the soil?
- Both on sandy and natural soils, prevents soil compactionThe compacted soil is not aerated, and nutrients will hardly penetrate the plant.
- It is advisable to ploughing the land periodically to promote soil aeration and maintain soil structure at stable levels.
- Reduces the impact of overexploitation of the soil by carrying out a appropriate crop rotationto allow the soil to rest and recover lost nutrients.
- Incorporates organic amendments such as coconut fibre. It can be the base of the soil or mixed with other substrates, but you will certainly notice an improvement in the structure and quality of the soil.
- Avoid the use of chemical pesticides and use natural fertilisers instead. In this way, the plants will not be fed with toxic products and the fruits will be healthier and of higher quality.
