World Soil Day

World Soil Day is observed annually on 5 December as an international day of awareness to highlight the critical role of soils in human life and natural systems. This day aims to focus global public opinion and policymakers on soil health, sustainable land use, and the conservation of soil resources.

The idea of drawing international attention to the sustainable management of soils was proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002; it was subsequently adopted as a platform by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and gained official status when the United Nations General Assembly designated 5 December as the official World Soil Day in 2013. This date was chosen because it coincides with the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

^{A World Amidst Drought (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

The primary objective of World Soil Day is to make visible the vital role of soils in agricultural production, the water cycle, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services. It also seeks to raise public awareness and mobilize policymakers to reduce risks such as soil degradation, erosion, pollution, and loss of land cover.

According to available data:

• Approximately 95% of the world’s food supply depends on soils.
• Soil formation is a very slow process; it can take centuries to produce just 2–3 cm of topsoil.
• The theme for 2025 is “Healthy Soils, Healthy Cities,” highlighting the role of urban soils, loss of soil cover, and challenges caused by urbanization.^【1】

• In collaboration with FAO and the Global Soil Partnership, annual soil-themed competitions such as “Tiny Soil Detectives” are organized for children and youth.
• In Türkiye and globally, agricultural, forestry, and environmental management institutions hold events on 5 December including seminars, field observations, and soil analyses to draw attention to soil health.
• In 2024, an event in Bangkok under the theme “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage” emphasized the critical importance of accurate soil data and knowledge for effective soil management.

Soil is a fundamental element for the sustainability of life. Healthy soils:

• Support food production.
• Contribute to combating climate change by storing carbon.
• Play a crucial role in the water and nutrient cycles.
• Ensure the continuity of ecosystems and biodiversity.

For these reasons, World Soil Day serves as both a scientific and political call to protect and manage soil resources.