In News:

• Global Soil Conference (GSC) 2024 held in New Delhi.
• Focused on soil health's importance for food security, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem services.

What is the Global Soil Conference 2024?

• Organizers: Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).
• Objective: Address sustainable soil/resource management challenges and foster global dialogue.
• Theme: "Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation & Ecosystem Services."

Key Highlights of GSC 2024:

• Soil Health Issues:
  • Soil degradation threatens productivity and global food security.
  • 30% of India's soil is compromised by erosion, salinity, pollution, and organic carbon loss.
  • Soil erosion is linked to SDG 15 (Sustainable Development Goal 15), aiming to protect terrestrial ecosystems.
• SDG 15:
  • Goals: Promote sustainable land use, combat desertification, halt land degradation, protect biodiversity.

Concerns Regarding Soil Health in India:

• Soil Degradation:One-third of India's land faces degradation due to poor farming practices.
• Soil Erosion & Fertility Loss:
  • India loses 15.35 tonnes of soil/hectare annually.
  • Results in crop losses, economic damage, and environmental issues like floods and droughts.
• Soil Salinity:Reduces water infiltration, nutrient uptake, and aeration, making land infertile.
• Low Organic Content:
  • Organic carbon in Indian soil is 0.54%, which hampers fertility.
  • Over 70% of soils are affected by acidity or alkalinity, disrupting nutrient cycles.
• Desertification:Reduces soil fertility, increases erosion, and worsens food insecurity.
• Diversion of Fertile Land:Fertile agricultural land is diverted for non-agricultural purposes.

India's Initiatives for Soil Conservation:

• Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme:Provides farmers with soil nutrient information.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana:Focuses on efficient water use.
• Zero Budget Natural Farming & Natural Farming Mission:Promotes sustainable farming practices to protect soil health.