World Soil Day is December 5

Every farmer knows healthy soils are essential for agriculture, food security, and a sustainable future

World Soil Day (December 5) shines a spotlight on the foundation of agriculture—soil.  Every December 5, World Soil Day (WSD) calls attention to one of the most overlooked resources on Earth: soil. It’s the backbone of agriculture, ecosystems, and food security.

We know it is a silly day that does not really matter to farmers, especially since this year’s theme, Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities, does not seem to matter to - or include -- farmers.

But just a little reminder for farmers, about the importance of the soil we work every day, because the facts are striking:

• 95% of our food comes from soils
• 33% of soils are degraded worldwide
• It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just 2–3 cm of soil
• Soils supply 15 of the 18 essential chemical elements for plants
• A single tablespoon of soil contains more living organisms than people on Earth
• 2 billion people suffer from hidden hunger due to micronutrient deficiencies
• Sustainable soil management could boost food production by up to 58%
• Soil is home to nearly 59% of the earth’s species

Healthy soils are not just about crop yields—they are critical for water absorption, carbon storage, biodiversity, and resilience against climate extremes. In cities, living soils help cool urban areas, reduce flooding, and support green spaces and urban agriculture.

This World Soil Day, let’s remember: soil is a finite resource. Protecting and restoring it is essential for farming, food security, and a sustainable future.