Soil: A Foundation for Life, Culture, And Sustainability
Story, photos and webinar recording provided by the Allure of Soil, originally posted on their website.
Ever looked at a patch of dirt and thought, "Wow, what a fascinating ecosystem"? No? Well, buckle up, because we're about to change how you see soil forever.
Let’s start with a little warm-up. Close your eyes (but, you know, not if you're driving or reading this in an important meeting). Picture soil. What do you see? A pile of brown, lifeless dust? Maybe a place where your dog digs up your prized garden? Well, surprise—soil is not just dirt. It’s a living, breathing, underground metropolis bustling with life!
During a recent webinar FROM DUST TO PROSPERITY: The ROLE of Soil in Shaping Africa’s Future co-hosted by the coalition of Action 4 Soil Health and the Allure of Soil Campaign. Experts from around the world shared their perspectives on soil’s significance, its degradation, and the urgent need for action to restore and preserve it.
The discussion opened with each speaker reflecting on the meaning of soil in a single sentence:
Chaney St. Martin, International Technical Specialist in Water and Soil Management, IICA “Soil is culture—a 360-degree force that sustains us, connects us, and helps us grow both literally and figuratively.”
Leigh Winowiecki, Soil and Land Health Global Research Lead, CIFOR-ICRAF, Co-lead of CA4SH, “Soil is life.”
Harun Warui, Lead Agroecology & Food Rights, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung “Soil is the foundation—the bedrock of our survival.”
Grace Bwengye, Senior Planner Agriculture, NPA Uganda: “Soil is socioeconomic transformation—it’s the driving force behind everything we do, from agriculture to industry.”
See? Soil isn’t just about farming—it’s about everything. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Soil is often called the PLANET'S PANTRY and LUNGS. Why? Because:
Food Security – Over 95% of global food production relies on soil. And here’s the kicker—33% of soils worldwide are degraded. That’s a serious problem for our dinner plates.
Climate Regulation – Soil is the largest terrestrial carbon sink. It’s the Earth’s natural air filter, pulling carbon down and keeping greenhouse gases in check.
Water and Nutrient Cycle – Soil acts like the Earth’s thermostat, controlling water retention, nutrient flow, and overall ecosystem stability.
Soil Degradation: An Economic Nightmare
If you think soil degradation is just an environmental issue, think again. It’s a full-blown economic crisis. Over 40% of the Earth’s surface is degraded, and in Africa, that number climbs to 65% of agricultural land. That means:
Reduced crop yields
Increased poverty
Higher food prices
Mass migration due to land degradation
Translation? Business as usual is not an option. We need soil solutions, and we need them now.
The Urban-Soil Connection
Think soil is only relevant to farmers? Nope. Cities need healthy soil too. Without it, there’s no food, no clean water, and no buffer against climate change. Harun breaks it down:
Healthy soil = Nutritious food.
Urban areas = Growing populations dependent on rural soil.
Soil degradation = Higher carbon emissions, less food, and more instability.
If cities want to survive, they need to start caring about the dirt beneath their feet.
Here’s where it gets exciting—young people are leading the charge. With 16% of the global population aged 15-24, youth movements are stepping up to protect and restore soil. Lokesh, a master’s student, says it best: “Think local, act global.” Awareness is great, but action is better.
By engaging in sustainable farming, research, advocacy, and policy influence, youth can lead the way in protecting soil for future generations.
Policies and Partnerships for Soil Preservation
Governments and businesses must take proactive measures to safeguard soil. Grace highlighted the need for stronger policies, compliance measures, and investment in sustainable land use. Every sector, from agriculture to transportation, relies on soil, making inter-ministerial collaboration essential.
Additionally, financing mechanisms must support climate-smart agriculture and land restoration initiatives. Sustainable soil management should be at the core of economic planning to ensure food security, climate resilience, and environmental protection.
So, what can we do?
Turns out, the soil doesn’t need fancy tech or billion-dollar budgets. It just needs some old-fashioned TLC. Here are a few solutions straight from the experts:
Prevent Soil Erosion – The first step to soil regeneration is keeping it in place through reforestation, cover crops, and conservation practices.
Keep it covered. Think of soil like the Earth’s skin—it needs protection. Mulching and cover crops prevent erosion and keep it healthy.
Reduce chemical overload- Less synthetic fertilizer, more natural nutrients. Soil thrives when we stop drowning it in chemicals.
Sustainable Land Use Practices – Implementing agroecology, no-till farming, and composting to build soil resilience.
Diversify like your diet. A mix of crops and organic matter feeds soil microbes, just like a balanced diet feeds you.
Let it rest. Overworked land loses its mojo. Giving soil a break helps it regenerate. (Take a lesson from your weekend naps!)
This discussion underscored one vital truth: SOIL IS EVERYONE'S BUSINESS. Whether we are scientists, policymakers, farmers, or consumers, soil health affects your food, your air, your economy, and your future.
By taking action—whether through policy, education, sustainable farming, or advocacy—we can ensure that soil remains a thriving foundation for generations to come because...
IF WE TAKE CARE OF THE SOIL, IT WILL TAKE CARE OF US.
