Managing and Caring for Our Soils

Abstract

Like snowflakes, no two soils are the same and, although soils are incredibly resilient, they are also fragile and easily damaged. In 2012 the human population reached seven billion. Soils now produce food for more than twice as many people as existed in 1970. Soils also provide clean water, fuel, building materials, fibre, habitat, medicines, and they dispose of our wastes and recycle the nutrients that are vital to life on Earth. Our cities are expanding outwards over soil resources and cities also siphon critical irrigation water away from farmlands. Further challenges for sustainable management of soils include; soil loss to erosion, maintenance of soil fertility, accumulation of salts and other contaminants in the soil, and soil compaction. However we are rapidly developing the knowledge, inclination, and skills, to implement measures to ensure land-use becomes more sustainable. The best way to appreciate soil is to experience it first-hand. Plant a garden, make a clay sculpture, enjoy the feel, sight, sound, and smell of the soil in its endless dance with water and life.

Sunflowers, and the bees that pollinate them, are examples of beauty and food derived from the soil. The sunflower was first cultivated in America about 5000 years ago. With care for our soil resources, we hope to continue cultivation of sunflowers, along with a myriad of other plants, for thousands of years to come