FAO highlights the vital role of soil: 95 percent of our food is directly produced on soils
Bishkek – World Soil Day 2024 was celebrated in Kyrgyzstan under the theme “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage” emphasizing the critical role of soil in ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
The event, jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Soil Scientists Association of the Kyrgyz Republic highlighted the need to protect and improve soil health and its connection to climate-smart agricultural practices.
Soil is the foundation of resilient food systems, producing 95 percent of the food we consume. Yet, soil faces serious threats from degradation, erosion, and unsustainable land use.
Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration
A visit to the Republican Soil-Agrochemical Station Soil Quality Laboratory was one of the central activities of the celebration. Since 1964, the laboratory is a key player in monitoring soil health in Kyrgyzstan, using advanced technologies to test soil samples and provide data that informs sustainable soil management practices.
During the visit, Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan emphasized how vital scientific innovation is for soil conservation.
“Healthy soils are fundamental to sustainable agriculture and food security,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev. “Research and innovation play a key role in deepening our understanding of soil health, providing Kyrgyzstan’s farmers with the essential knowledge and tools to maintain productive land and secure a climate resilient agricultural future for the coming generations.”
Following the laboratory visit, a conference brought together local and international experts to discuss soil conservation and ways to monitor soil degradation.
Experts discussed innovative ecological methods to improve soil fertility and track the humus levels in Kyrgyzstan's key soil types. They highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices, particularly the careful balance between using mineral and organic fertilizers, as essential measures to maintain soil health and boost agricultural productivity.
Nurudin Karabaev, professor of the Kyrgyz Agrarian university explained how understanding the unique characteristics of different soils is crucial.
“The balance between mineral and organic fertilizers must be determined through precise monitoring and an understanding of each soil’s unique needs,” said Nurudin Karabaev.
The conference also focused on methods to address Kyrgyzstan’s vulnerability to soil erosion, such as terracing, agroforestry, and improved land-use planning. Agroecology was another key topic, with experts advocating for integrating ecological principles into farming practices to ensure long-term sustainability and environmental resilience.
Challenges in Soil Management
Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in the effort to preserve soil health. Experts pointed to issues such as the lack of nationwide soil health monitoring systems, insufficient data on soil degradation rates, and the limited application of sustainable farming practices at scale.
Participants of the conference also pointed to the slow adoption of sustainable farming methods, driven by financial constraints and limited access to technical knowledge and modern tools, particularly for smallholder farmers.
These challenges underscore the need for coordinated actions, including financial support, technical training, and infrastructure development, to enable farmers to adopt climate-resilient and sustainable soil management practices. Experts concluded that addressing these gaps is essential to improve soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, and build resilience to climate change.
Next Steps
The FAO is advancing the development of the Global Soil Doctors Programme and collaborating with scientist and experts to strengthen sustainable soil management practices.
The 2024 World Soil Day conference served as a critical platform to showcase ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing national capacity in soil health monitoring, advancing research, and fostering policy development to address soil degradation and promote sustainable land use.
As part of its broader work in Kyrgyzstan, FAO will continue to focus on integrating soil health into national agricultural policies and helping the region adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
- FAO Soils Portal
- Global Soil Partnership
- FAO Soil and Land Legacy Maps
- Technical guidelines on soils for nutrition
