World Soil Day being observed today 

World Soil Day (WSD) is being observed today (December 5)—aiming to raise awareness about soil degradation, bringing people’s attention to the importance of soil and its sustainable management.  

This year, the theme is ‘Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity’ with a motive to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being. 

Soil degradation is a serious environmental problem, caused due to the decline in soil condition, industrialisation and poor management of agricultural. Soil degradation leads to erosion, loss of organic matter and decline in soil fertility. 

World Soil Day highlights the importance of soil for all terrestrial life. 

An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. 

Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform.