The recently held Global Soil Conference (GSC) 2024 in New Delhi was organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS). The critical role of soil health in ensuring food security, mitigating climate change, and preserving ecosystems. The theme, “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation & Ecosystem Services,” emphasized the global issue of soil degradation.

Soil health remains a significant concern globally, with around 30% of India’s soil facing erosion, salinity, and loss of organic carbon. Over one-third of India’s land is at risk of degradation, and the country loses 15.35 tonnes of soil per hectare annually, reducing crop productivity and contributing to economic losses. Soil salinity and low organic content, which affects fertility and nutrient levels, are major issues, with more than 70% of Indian soils facing imbalances like acidity and alkalinity.

Desertification and the diversion of fertile agricultural land to non-agricultural uses further exacerbate the crisis. Experts at the conference highlighted the urgent need for international collaboration to combat soil erosion and align efforts with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15), which focuses on protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems.

India’s diverse soils, categorized by the Soil Survey of India since 1956, face significant challenges but also offer opportunities for sustainable management to reverse degradation and boost agricultural productivity.