‘World Soil Day’: Students stress on soil conservation

Ashok Kaura

Phagwara, December 5

Staff and students of MLU DAV College, Phagwara, observed ‘World Soil Day’ on the college premises here today. Students presented speeches to mark the day. They told that the day highlighed the growing problem of soil erosion due to expansion in population. So, it is essential to take a step to reduce the erosion of soil, to maintain fertility in order to save food safety.

The students further told that the soil is made of minerals, organic matter and air in different proportions. It is important for life as it provides the medium for the growth of a plant, habitat for several insects and other organisms. It also acts as a filtration system for surface water and in the maintenance of atmospheric gases, they added.

They said: “It is the source of four essential living factors, including food, clothes, shelter and medicine. Therefore, conservation of soil is necessary. So, to raise awareness about the soil loss, “World Soil Day” is celebrated on December 5. The theme of “World Soil Day” this year is ‘Stop Soil Erosion, Save our Future’.”

“The theme focuses on the increasing challenges in soil management and raises the profile of healthy soil by encouraging organisations, communities and individuals around the world to work towards improving the soil health and its conservation, added the students.

They threw light on the history of this day that in 2002 the International Union of Soil Sciences recommended to celebrate the day annually on December 5. Also the FAO supported the formal establishment of the day as a global awareness – raising platform under the leadership of the kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the “Global Soil” partnership. The conference of FAO, unanimously endorsed the day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly.

“In December 2013, UN General Assembly at the 68th Session declared December 5 as “World Soil Day”. The first “World Soil Day” was observed on December 5, 2014,” added the students.

Besides speeches, posters were prepared by the students. Principal Dr Kiranjeet Randhawa lauded the efforts of the staff and the students.