Raising public awareness
Soil and Water, source of life, is the theme chosen for the 2023 edition of the World Soil Day which is celebrated on December 5th. The Day aims to raise public awareness of the importance and relationship between soil and water in the creation of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. The survival of our planet depends on the precious bond between soil and water. Over 95% of our food comes from these two fundamental resources. Soil water, vital for plant uptake of nutrients, holds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems.
Water resources
However, due to climate change and human activities, our soils are degrading, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion upsets the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all life forms. Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, added organic matter, and cover crops, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and improve infiltration and water storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
A fundamental environmental resource
Land consumption, mainly linked to settlement and infrastructure dynamics, leads to the often irreversible loss of this fundamental, limited and non-renewable environmental resource. The latest ISPRA-SNPA data highlight a continuous growth in artificial surfaces in Italy which, in recent years, is intensifying. In fact, we are witnessing an important and worrying acceleration, with a 10% increase in land consumption in the last year (2022) compared to the previous twelve months (Report “Land consumption, territorial dynamics and ecosystem services – 2023 Edition ). (Source ISPRA)