Often undervalued and overlooked in our daily lives, soil is a hidden treasure beneath our feet. It is a vibrant ecosystem that sustains life on earth, but today it faces critical challenges. In this humanist call for sustainability, let us reflect on the importance of caring for soil and restoring harmony between humanity and nature.
Soil is where life begins and ends. It is an ever-changing ecosystem that is home to countless micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi and earthworms that work together to break down organic matter and maintain soil health. Every square meter of soil contains more bacteria than there are people on the planet. This biodiversity is essential for soil fertility and food production.
From a farmer’s perspective, soil degradation is a complex issue that often arises from the practical challenges and demands of farming. In this article, we will explore the causes of soil degradation from a farmer’s perspective, highlighting the reasons and challenges they face when working the land.
To meet these challenges, we must adopt a humanistic perspective on the relationship between man and nature. We must understand that soil is an invaluable resource that sustains our existence. As a society, we must move away from indiscriminate exploitation and adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
And to achieve this goal, sustainable agriculture presents itself as a solution to these problems. Instead of seeing the soil as a mere production platform, we must see it as a living ecosystem that needs to be cared for and respected. Crop diversity, soil regeneration and quality over quantity are the pillars of this new approach to agriculture.
Through our NOVASOIL project we can help farmers and others in the primary sector to prevent and/or improve the health of their soil. Simply subscribe to our newsletter.
Understanding soil degradation from the perspective of farmers reveals the complex and difficult choices they face in their efforts to sustain their livelihoods and communities. While many of the causes of soil degradation are driven by practical needs and economic justifications, it is important to strike a balance that ensures both short-term needs and long-term soil health. Sustainable farming practices, good land management and support for farmers to adopt environmentally friendly methods can help combat soil degradation while meeting the needs of those who work the land.
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