To thrive, our crops need nutrient-rich soil. However, the minerals that are essential for the growth of our crops are increasingly disappearing from our soil. The UN estimates that 12 million hectares of cropland are substantially degraded each year.
For our crops to flourish, nutrient-rich soil is necessary. However, the elements in our soil that are essential for the growth of our crops are gradually disappearing. Approximately 12 million hectares of cropland are substantially degraded each year, according to UN estimates.
Numerous factors might cause damage to our land. These include soil contamination, overgrazing, excessive exposure to pollutants, monoculture planting, soil compaction, land-use conversion, wind and water erosion, salt, and many others. Today, there are numerous methods for preserving and restoring soil, including no-till farming, crop rotation, and terrace construction for water retention. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (MER), a program for land and soil condition, is being implemented under the direction of the Department of Planning and Environment (formerly Office of Environment and Heritage).This initiative started in 2008.
At 850 paired sites throughout NSW, a baseline for soil capability and progress toward reaching these targets was established as part of the (MER) program. This is Australia's largest collection of data of its sort. The program's execution is being overseen by the Department of Planning and Environment.
Here are some strategies you can apply to stop soil degradation:
Curb industrial farming
Farming more crops than we need is eroding the soil. Responsible regulation of land and agriculture should be kept in mind while also planning how many crops we need. Evidence shows we should eat much smaller quantities of sustainably-reared, grass-fed meat, less dairy, and much more fruit and vegetables.
Bring back the trees Without plant and tree cover, erosion happens much more easily. Bringing back the trees for cover would not only be good for soil degradation but also for deforestation. The roots of trees are able to keep the soil together and makes it more difficult for the soil to erode.
Stop or limit ploughing Farmers around the world have started to experiment with zero-tillage, also known as conservation agriculture. This method is used so no bare soil is exposed, with ‘cover crops’ planted directly after harvest. These cover crops protect the soil while returning nutrients and plant matter too. In warm climates, they also preserve moisture. The ploughing also loosens the dirt that it makes it easier for the soil to erode. Limiting ploughing would ensure that unnecessary movement of soil can be avoided.
Replace soil
Organic farmers who add compost and manure to the soil, replenish nutrients while reducing flooding risk and capturing carbon. Circular economy proponents recommend not sending bio-waste to landfill but using it instead to create organic soil improvers, and fertilisers to grow in. These could then replace fossil-based products such as mineral fertilisers and peat.
Leave land alone Leaving more land alone, despite the fast growing population, is another solution to soil degradation: it takes around 500 years for just 2.5cm of topsoil to be created. Taking land out of production would allow soil carbon to rebuild and become stable. Experts suggest rotating used pastured land by the meat and dairy industries so less is being used at once.
Our club Plant a Change is using the method of planting minimal crops with cover. We also use compost to make our soil more rich in nutrients. Our student-led workshops uncover and teach these techniques to local students. Join one of our in-person to watch these live-demos.
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