World Soil Day 2024: Highlighting the Role of Compost in Soil Health and Sustainability
The REA is proud to celebrate World Soil Day on December 5, 2024, with a dynamic lineup of events and webinars in collaboration with the International Compost Alliance (ICA). This year’s theme, ‘Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,’ underscores the vital role of soil data and sustainable practices in ensuring global food security and healthy ecosystems.
Soils are the foundation of life, supplying 95% of our food and essential nutrients for plants. Yet, 33% of soils worldwide are degraded, threatening agricultural productivity and resilience. World Soil Day brings together experts and stakeholders across the globe to explore innovative solutions that prioritise soil health.
REA Hosted Webinars
Residual Compost Boosts Soil Health and Plant Stress Tolerance
Hosted by the REA and the Compost Council of Canada
Time: 3:00 PM UK (UTC)
Speakers: Dr. Lord Abbey, Dalhousie University
Details: Learn how residual compost enhances plant growth, improves photosynthetic efficiency, and increases resilience to stress in tomato plants. This session will provide actionable insights for farmers and agronomists on maximising compost benefits in both organic and conventional systems.
Read a full description of the event here, and register to attend here!
Direct Evidence on the Impact of Organic Amendments on Carbon Stabilization in Soil Microaggregates
Hosted by the REA and the Compost Council of Canada
Time: 8:00 PM UK (UTC)
Speakers: Dr. Ganga M. Hettiarachchi, Kansas State University
Details: Explore groundbreaking research on how long-term compost and manure additions stabilise soil organic carbon (SOC). This session will highlight the role of organic amendments in enhancing microbial activity, improving soil aggregation, and mitigating climate change through nature-based solutions.
Read a full description of the event here, and register to attend here!
Additional ICA Events
The ICA’s international network will also host several webinars:
Webinar: Reclaiming Resources: Optimising Soil Reuse in Infrastructure and Development
eHosted by WasteMINZ, $59+GST for non-members
Time: 4 Decembr, 10:00 PM UK (UTC)
Registration and further info here!
Webinar: Healthy Soils with Compost – The Benefits of Compost Use to Soil Organic Matter
Hosted by the European Compost Network
Time: 5 December, 1:00 PM
Registration and further info!
In-Person Event: From Earth to Earth – Soil Between Climate Change and New Lifestyles
Hosted by the Italian Composting Consortium
Time: 10:00 AM (CET)
This in-person event will explore the intersection of soil health, climate change, and emerging lifestyles.
Registration and further info here!
For a full list of global events, visit the ICA website at www.internationalco mpostalliance.org.
Why Celebrate World Soil Day?
World Soil Day, observed annually on December 5th, is an important occasion to highlight the critical role soil plays in sustaining life on Earth. It offers a chance to raise awareness of soil health, promote sustainable soil management, and address the challenges posed by soil degradation.
- 33% of Global Soils Are Degraded: Approximately one-third of the world’s soils have been degraded due to practices such as intensive farming, deforestation, urbanisation, and overuse of chemical fertilisers. This leads to erosion, loss of fertility, reduced water retention, and a decline in biodiversity.
- Over 90% of Plant-Based Foods Depend on Soil: Nearly all food crops, including vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes, depend on healthy soils for growth. The decline in soil quality directly impacts agricultural yields and the availability of plant-based foods, which are essential for a balanced diet..
- Sustainable Soil Management Could Boost Food Production by Up to 58%: By adopting sustainable soil management practices and using organic soil amendments, global food production could increase by up to 58%. These practices not only enhance productivity but also improve resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.
Soils are the foundation of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water filtration, and habitat for numerous species. Healthy soils contribute to the production of nutrient-rich, safe foods, support water management, and combat desertification. Celebrating World Soil Day encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to commit to protecting and restoring soils, ensuring they continue to provide the vital ecosystem services that support life on Earth.
So, join us on World Soil Day to learn, collaborate, and advocate for healthy soils that sustain life and combat climate change. For more information about REA events, contact us.