crops in fertile soil under the rain
The health of the soil and the quality and availability of water are interconnected.
Photo:Hatia/Adobe Stock

Soil and water, a source of life

 

Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95 percent of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. Soil water, vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems.

However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life.

Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.

World Soil Day 2023 (WSD) and its campaign aim to raise awareness of the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. WSD is a unique global platform that not only celebrates soils but also empowers and engages citizens around the world to improve soil health.

Observance Day poster 2023

Get the message across!

FAO’s website is full of initiatives and materials to raise awareness and spread the message of this observance on different platforms. Find out about a multitude of worldwide events related to the importance of healthy soils.

Visit the FAO site

Background

World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.

Did you know?

  • 95% of our food comes from soils.
  • One cubic meter of healthy soil can retain over 250 liters of water.
  • Improper soil and water management practices affect soil erosion, soil biodiversity, soil fertility, and water quality and quantity.
  • Healthy soil plays a crucial role as a natural filter, purifying and storing water as it infiltrates into the ground.

Join our event

Dec 5, 2023 06:30 AM (New York time)

Register as a reminder to attend the FAO ceremony. We will have a translation into all 6 official UN languages! This official event will launch the report on the Global Assessment of salt-affected soils, present the winners of the FAO awards on the occasion of the International Day, and feature artistic performances to strengthen our message. Follow the event on line.

Resources

Websites

Reports

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Vote your favorite poster and photo!!

Participation in FAO's multiple contests for World Soil Day has closed, and the finalists have been selected… Now it's time for you to vote for your favorite kid's poster and photo by giving a "Like" on your best-loved art on Facebook. Stay tuned as we will reveal the champions on #WorldSoilDay, December 5, where we will find out the winners of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2023 and Glinka Prize, which honor institutions or people who do outstanding work for the health of our soils.

a group of women using hoes to till the soil

The Global Soil Doctors Programme is a farmer-to-farmer training initiative that aims to build the capacity of farmers on sustainable soil management while supporting national governments and stakeholders in addressing the needs of their rural communities. This online platform supports farmers, policymakers, development planners, agricultural extension workers, NGOs, private sectors, and any other practitioner/stakeholder interested in transmitting the importance of soil as a vital resource.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.