The complexity of soil

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

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Soil as a Water Filter and Reservoir

Humus plays a crucial role in creating a 'crumbly' and loose soil structure, ensuring plant roots are well supplied with oxygen and optimally accessible. (2) Additionally, humus absorbs and stores moisture, facilitating water movement through the soil. (4) Soils act as a large water filter and reservoir, regulating both the quantity and quality of available fresh water. Healthy soil can store many times its weight in water. (5) This remarkable absorption capacity allows plants to access stored water during dry seasons, reducing the risk of floods and droughts.

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How soil protects the climate

Another important function of soil is its ability to store large amounts of carbon. Healthy soils can store up to 1,500 billion tonnes of carbon, which helps regulate CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. (4) In fact, soils are the second-largest active carbon sink after the oceans, storing more carbon than the atmosphere and vegetation combined. Moreover, investments in soil health are also investments in adapting to climate change, as they improve resilience to floods and droughts. (4)

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The risks of land degradation

Unfortunately, the importance of soil health has not really been considered in recent decades. Poor management practices have led to the depletion of fertile topsoil. Topsoil is the top layer of soil and is usually between 10 and 25 cm deep. This layer generally contains the highest concentration of organic substances and microorganisms. (6) According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 33% of the world's soils are already degraded, and by 2050, over 90% could be degraded. (7) Every five seconds, an area of land equivalent to the size of a soccer field is eroded. (7) FAO warned back in 2015: “The main problem, what humanity is currently facing global warming “Species extinction, or any other environmental crisis — the main problem we will face is the degradation of our soils.” (8) Soil Degradation poses a significant threat to global food security and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. (7)

But what exactly is land degradation? It describes “a change in soil health that results in a reduced ability of the ecosystem to provide goods and services to its users” (9). Land degradation can include various forms of soil quality impairment, including erosion, chemical degradation (e.g. decline of organic matter, salinisation, acidification, and pollution) and physical degradation (e.g. compaction, sealing, water logging, and urbanisation). (10) These processes can reduce soil fertility, water retention, availability of nutrients, and biodiversity. The term soil erosion is sometimes used synonymously with soil degradation, but it only refers to one component of soil degradation and primarily describes the loss of topsoil and nutrients. (9) Although some types of soil degradation do not cause significant soil losses in the short term, they can have long-term effects on soil health and productivity. It is therefore crucial to address all forms of soil degradation and not just rely on erosion control measures.

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The need for action in the food industry and beyond

95 percent of our food grows in soil, which is why its health is of great interest to the food industry — and should be of great interest to the global population. (11) Fortunately, the issue is gaining increasing attention among food companies, who are increasingly interested in working with farmers within their supply chains to promote soil health. However, the effects of land degradation on biodiversity and the climate are so severe that it is crucial this issue receives attention from society, governments, and the economy. Encouragingly, there are positive developments: innovative climate projects offer companies from all sectors the opportunity to invest in the health of agricultural soils as part of their sustainability strategies. These can complement traditional climate protection projects. Klim has also launched such a project, promoting Regenerative Agriculture.

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Regenerative Agriculture can reverse trends

Regenerative Agriculture is a promising solution to combat land degradation. It encompasses agricultural practices that prioritise soil health and contribute to the enrichment of soil humus. By keeping soil covered year-round, minimising soil disturbances, maintaining live roots, and integrating livestock farming, farmers can create more resilient and productive fields. Regenerative practices can improve soil structure, increase water storage capacity, and enhance biodiversity both in and above the soil. Regenerative Agriculture, therefore, not only protects the climate and biodiversity but also helps farmers adapt to the increasingly extreme effects of climate change. It represents a decisive investment in the future of agriculture, the food industry, and ultimately, in securing our livelihoods. Together with Klim, companies from all sectors can support regenerative farmers and contribute to the regeneration of our soils.

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