However, things have changed a bit over the past two decades. Scientists increasingly associate soil biodiversity with improved yields and plant health. Research also indicates that a soil high in microbial activity is better at carbon sequestration and in preventing runoff during floods. Given soil's link to food security, as well as to climate mitigation and adaptation, scientists are now developing new diagnostic tools to measure soil health. Since the tools and the processes of measuring soil biodiversity are quite expensive and labour-intensive, countries are working to make them accessible to all. A report by Rohini Krishnamurthy
BENEATH OUR FEET lies a world teeming with life, often overlooked in its significance. Soils, far from being mere dirt, are alive, breathing entities that play a crucial role in sustaining life above and below ground. They serve as the backbone of agriculture and store water, playing an indispensable role in our ecosystem. Their importance will only grow in the future because the world, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will have to increase its food production by 60 per cent by 2050 to feed an ever-increasing population.
Yet, amid their critical role, soils face unprecedented threats. Human activities such as overexploitation and improper land-use practices are rapidly degrading and eroding these vital ecosystems. Already, about 33 per cent of global soils are degraded and 90 per cent could meet this fate by 2050, warns FAO. It also does not help that soil is a finite resource, taking up to 1,000 years to produce a mere 2-3 centimetres.
Esta historia es de la edición April 16, 2024 de Down To Earth.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 16, 2024 de Down To Earth.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Trade On Emissions
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a tariff on imports, is designed to protect European industries in the guise of climate action.
'The project will facilitate physical and cultural decimation of indigenous people'
The Great Nicobar Project has all the hallmarks of a disaster-seismic, ecological, human. Why did it get the go-ahead?
TASTE IT RED
Popularity of Karnataka's red jackfruit shows how biodiversity can be conserved by ensuring that communities benefit from it
MANY MYTHS OF CHIPKO
Misconceptions about the Chipko movement have overshadowed its true objectives.
The politics and economics of mpox
Africa's mpox epidemic stems from delayed responses, neglect of its health risks and the stark vaccine apartheid
Emerging risks
Even as the world gets set to eliminate substances threatening the ozone layer, climate change and space advancement pose new challenges.
JOINING THE CARBON CLUB
India's carbon market will soon be a reality, but will it fulfil its aim of reducing emissions? A report by PARTH KUMAR and MANAS AGRAWAL
Turn a new leaf
Scientists join hands to predict climate future of India's tropical forests
Festering troubles
The Democratic Republic of Congo struggles to contain mpox amid vaccine delays, conflict and fragile healthcare.
India sees unusual monsoon patterns
THE 2024 southwest monsoon has, between June 1 and September 1, led to excess rainfall in western and southern states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, while others like Nagaland, Manipur and Punjab recorded a deficit.