Soil and Water A Source of Life

World Soil Day, observed annually on December 5, is dedicated to raising global awareness about the pivotal role soil plays in sustaining life. The sustenance of our planet relies on the critical connection between soil and water. In this article, Muskaan Negi and S K Bhardwaj emphasize that soil and water, essential for nutrient absorption by plants, intricately bind our ecosystems together.

- Muskan Negi

Life begins and ends with the soil. It serves as the foundation for food, medicine, and naturally purifies water through its layers, providing pure drinking water. Unfortunately, soil is often taken for granted, with the assumption that it will always be abundant. However, this is not the case. It takes 200 to 400 years to form a mere 1 cm layer of soil, and creating fertile soil demands nearly 3000 years. Fertile land is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and ensuring food and nutritional security.

World Soil Day is an annual observance that takes place on December 5, dedicated to raising global awareness about the crucial role of soil in sustaining life. Our planet’s sustenance depends on the crucial link between soil and water. Over 95 per cent of the food is produced from these two fundamental resources. Soil and water, vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems. Given the significance of these elements, the theme for World Soil Day 2023 has been designated as “Soil and Water: A Source of Life”.