Soil Conservation – A Critical Need

Soil is a critical resource needed for our very survival as it ensures food production and security for countries. Yet, unchecked pollution is leading to irreversible soil damage. Apart from natural disasters and industrial activities, modern soil enhancers are causing soil erosion and degradation. This unprecedented damage can pose major challenges in the future. Fortunately, there are organic ways to mitigate this damage, which can help conserve healthy fertile soil for reuse.

Optimal soil conservation is becoming a global challenge. The loss of fertile soil must be minimized to ensure ample food production, sufficiency, and security. Food production must keep pace with the rise in population to ensure healthy communities. Though agriculture remains the mainstay of many economies, production cannot match the demand of a growing population. Furthermore, forest fires, tsunami, and earthquakes are occurring with alarming regularity, resulting in soil erosion. Chemical pollution caused by industrial activities, modern fertilizers, and pesticides also add to the damage. The agricultural industry is responsible for two-thirds of the moderately to highly degraded land that makes up a third of the planet. The UN has warned that if soil deterioration continues at its current rate, farming will only be possible for the next 60 years.

Healthy soil is essential for environmental sustainability. According to the Climate Change and Land report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, soil absorbs one-third of the carbon dioxide emitted by fossil fuels and industrial operations. Hence, sustainable farming practices are vital for soil conservation and preserving our planet's resources.

Natural methods of soil conservation

Conservation tillage – This method minimizes soil disturbance by covering land with vegetation and leaving crop residues on the surface after harvest. It reduces water and wind erosion while providing an environment for beneficial organisms to thrive. No-till farming is another technique that limits soil disturbance and allows crops to grow unhindered. By lessening disturbance, this method reduces runoff and disruption of nearby ecosystems.

Contour farming – As the name suggests, contour farming means planting crops along the contours of sloped land to help minimize soil erosion due to water currents. This technique also helps to retain more moisture in the soil, enhancing its productivity and crop growth. Additionally, contour farming helps to improve water infiltration into the ground and increase crop yields by reducing runoff and preserving the nutrients in soil.

Windbreaks – Rows of trees or bushes planted in strategic locations to reduce the power of winds and their disruptive effect on soil are known as windbreaks. They also provide shelter from snow and other harmful weather conditions that can damage crops. Moreover, they can help retain moisture in the soil and improve air circulation around plants.

Crop rotation – This method encourages growing a variety of crops rather than the same species over the course of several seasons. Crop rotation improves the soil's structure using different root systems, decreases pest infestation, and adds nitrogen to soil via legumes, which are nitrogen-fixing plants. Farmers reap long-term benefits through this method of soil conservation. For each agricultural operation, a set of crops should be rotated, and this decision is heavily influenced by past weather and productivity data.

Cover crops – One method of preventing barren soils is planting cover crops or secondary species. This refers to growing cash crops for moisture retention, livestock fodder production, and weed control, among other things.

Initiatives undertaken by some countries

Countries and governments are advised to take definite steps to improve soil quality in their regions. They should allocate agricultural subsidies to environment-friendly farming practices in order to invest in healthy, living soil. If done properly, agriculture can preserve a variety of species found in soil, thus preventing desertification and land degradation. Some of the countries that have taken measures to ensure food security and mitigate climate change are as follows:

1. Ethiopia – Land degradation is estimated to cost USD4.3 billion yearly; thus, there is good motivation for the country to act promptly. Ethiopia has adopted agroforestry where crops are grown alongside trees. This practice has lessened erosion and boosted crop yields while supplying fuel, feed for livestock, and other sources of income.
   
2. Italy – Italy spends an estimated EUR900 million each year on costs related to soil degradation brought on by landslides, floods, and soil erosion, among others. Italy wants to prevent the degradation of croplands, grasslands, and forests by recovering soil, fostering sustainable agriculture, etc.
   
3. Indonesia – The government plans to establish approximately 39 high-priority watershed zones to avert forest and land degradation over a 25-year period. The Program for the Rehabilitation of Damaged Forests and Critical Lands seeks to restore 1.9 million hectares of damaged forests and 4.9 million hectares of degraded land.
   
4. US – The US government has taken various initiatives, such as establishing the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a federal agency that works with farmers, ranchers, and private landowners to promote soil conservation and sustainable land use practices. The NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to help landowners implement conservation practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage. The government has also initiated the Conservation Reserve Program, where farmers are paid to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that would improve the health and quality of the environment. The CRP helps reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide a habitat for wildlife.
   
5. India – India launched the Soil Health Card Scheme in 2015 to assess the soil’s nutrient status and provide recommendations to farmers on appropriate nutrient management practices. Under this scheme, soil samples are collected and analyzed from every farm in the country once in three years. The government also launched Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), a centrally sponsored scheme, in 2007 to promote agriculture development and enhance productivity through the adoption of sustainable land use practices. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for implementing agriculture-related projects and activities.

It is encouraging to see various governments taking initiatives to promote sustainable farming practices through financial incentives, education, and research support. Its benefits are not only limited to soil conservation but also extend to improved crop yields, enhanced biodiversity, and better water quality. As individuals, we can also promote environment-friendly agriculture by choosing locally grown organic produce and supporting farmers who practice sustainable farming. It is time for us to recognize the importance of soil conservation and take action to support a healthier and more sustainable food system.