The complexity of soil

Soil is a rich, complex, and diverse ecosystem. Did you know that a single tablespoon of healthy soil contains more organisms than there are people on earth? (1) These tiny creatures interact with each other and contribute to the global cycles that make all life possible. An essential component of healthy soil is humus, a dark organic material that forms as microorganisms like bacteria and fungi decompose plant and animal matter over time. (2) In doing so, they release vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are necessary for plant growth and healthy food production. (3). The remaining material, which is rich in organic compounds, becomes humus. 

‍

Soil is a water filter and storage tank

Humus plays a crucial role in creating a soil structure that is both crumbly and loose, allowing for proper oxygenation and optimal reach to plant roots. (2) Additionally, humus facilitates water movement through the soil, promoting well-drained conditions while also absorbing and retaining moisture. (4) In fact, healthy soils function as a large water filter and storage tank, controlling the quantity and quality of freshwater resources. Healthy soil can store many times its weight in water. (5) This remarkable absorption capacity not only helps to prevent floods but also reduces the risk of droughts by allowing plants to access stored water during dry periods.

‍

How soil protects the climate

In addition, an important function of soil is its ability to store vast quantities of carbon. Healthy soils can store up to 1,500 billion tonnes of carbon, which helps to regulate CO₂ emissions. (4) Indeed, soils are the second-largest active carbon sink after the oceans, with more carbon stored in soil than in the atmosphere and vegetation combined. At the same time, investing in soil health is an investment in climate change adaptation thanks to the improved resilience with regards to floods and droughts mentioned above. (4)

‍

The risk of soil degradation

Sadly, the significance of soil health has not been respected over the last decades. Poor management practices have resulted in the depletion of fertile topsoil, which is the uppermost layer of soil typically between 10 and 25 cm deep, and generally containing the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms. (6) According to the Food and Agriculture Organizatoin (FAO), 33% of the Earth's soils are already degraded and over 90% could become degraded by 2050. (7) Every five seconds, an area of soil equivalent to a soccer pitch is eroded. (7) The FAO has already stated back in 2015: “The main problem humanity is currently facing is not global warming, extinction of species or any other environmental crisis – the main problem we will have to face is the degradation of our soils”. (8) Soil degradation poses a significant threat to global food security and the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. (7)

But what exactly is soil degradation? It refers to “a change in the soil health status resulting in a diminished capacity of the ecosystem to provide goods and services for its beneficiaries” (9). Soil degradation can encompass various forms of damage to soil quality, including erosion, chemical deterioration (e.g. organic matter decline, salinization, acidification, and pollution), and physical deterioration (e.g. compaction, sealing, waterlogging, and urbanisation). (10) These processes can reduce soil fertility, water holding capacity, nutrient availability, and biodiversity. The term soil erosion is sometimes used interchangeably with soil degradation, but it only refers to one component of soil degradation, mainly describing the loss of topsoil and nutrients. (9) In fact, some types of soil degradation may not cause significant soil loss in the short term but can have long-lasting effects on soil health and productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to address all forms of soil degradation and not rely solely on erosion control measures. 

‍

Need for action in the food industry and beyond

95 percent of our food grows in soil, which is why its health is of high interest for the food industry - and should be for the entire world population. (11) Thankfully, food companies are taking notice recently and are more and more interested in working alongside farmers to address soil health in their supply chains. However, given the severe consequences of soil degradation and the significant potential benefits of regenerating soils for our planet's biodiversity and climate, it is crucial that this issue receives wider attention across society, governments, and the economy. To the latter end, innovative climate projects that allow companies from any industry to invest in the health of agricultural soils as part of their sustainability strategy are emerging as viable additions to traditional climate protection projects. Klim has also launched such a project promoting regenerative agriculture.

‍

Regenerative agriculture can reverse the trends

Regenerative agriculture is one promising solution to fight soil degradation. It refers to agricultural practices that contribute to humus enrichment in the soil, thus putting soil health at their heart. By keeping the soil covered, minimising soil disturbances, maintaining living roots, and integrating livestock, farmers can benefit from more resilient and productive fields. Regenerative measures can improve soil structure, enhance water storage capacity, and increase biodiversity in and above the soil. Thus, regenerative agriculture not only protects the climate and biodiversity but also helps farmers to adapt to increasingly extreme climate change events. It is a critical investment in the future of our farmers, the food industry, and ultimately the survival of humanity itself. Together with Klim, companies from all sectors can support regenerative farmers and help promote the regeneration of our soils.

‍

Sources:(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),(7), (8), (9), (10), (11)