The annual United Nations’ World Soil Day will be held on Tuesday 5 December 2023. Soil and water are at the very foundation of our existence. Whether it be for plentiful and nutritious yields of the food we grow to eat, the mitigation of droughts, floods and landslides or for biodiversity and the health of the broader ecosystem, having healthy soils is a necessity for a healthy and stable population and planet.
Key messages:
1. Soil and water are essential resources for sustaining life on Earth;
2. Soil and water are interconnected resources that need integrated management;
3. Improper soil and water management practices affect soil erosion, soil biodiversity, soil fertility,
and water quality and quantity;
4. Soil and water conservation contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
One of the best ways to improve soil health is via the application of high-quality compost and the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) is advocating for the role of compost to improve soil health. Compost feeds the soil microorganisms and helps them to build better soil structure, deliver important soil nutrients to plant roots, help fight off diseases and create a generally better-balanced soil ecosystem. This means more readily available nutrients and water for plants with fewer pests and less disease. It also means a greater store of carbon is delivered to the soil, a multi-faceted benefit.
DID YOU KNOW
- World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December
- 95% of our food comes from soils.
- One cubic metre of healthy soil can retain over 250 litres of water.
- Healthy soil plays a crucial role as a natural filter, purifying and storing water as it infiltrates into the ground.
On Tuesday 5 December, as you stand somewhere during your day – perhaps in a park, in your backyard, on a farm or even in your local supermarket buying meat, fruit and vegetables, take a moment to consider the value of soil. As you recycle your garden organics and food organics into your organics bin, you are contributing to the production of recycled organic material, like compost, which can be used to improve our soils and grow more food. Now that is a good outcome and the circular economy working at its best. Everyone can participate in World Soil Day and improving soils by the correct and respectful use of their local councils GO or FOGO bins.
