THE IMPORTANCE OF SOIL

Life on Earth depends on healthy soils.

Soil is a vital resource, it provides us with nutritious food and other products as well as with clean water and flourishing habitats for biodiversity. At the same time, soils can help slow the onset of climate change and make us more resilient to extreme climate events such as droughts and floods. Soils preserve our cultural heritage and are a key part of the landscapes that we all cherish. Simply put, healthy living soils keep us, and the world around us, alive.

SOIL, A NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCE

Occorrono 2000 anni per formare 10 cm di suolo

It can take up to 2,000 years to produce 10cm of fertile soil. Soil degradation represents a challenge and it is further exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which may impact on food security and farmers’ well-being.

SOIL IS CRUCIAL FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

Importanza suolo carbonsink

Thanks to its carbon sequestration capacity, soil can significantly contribute to reduce CO2 emissions.

SOIL ORGANIC MATTER IS KEY FOR A HEALTHY SOIL

Soil organic matter is an important indicator to determine soil quality, its nutritional capacity for plants and microorganisms, and ultimately its fertility. A concentration of organic matter in soil lower than 2% of the total mass reduces its physical, chemical and biological fertility and its productivity.