Soil Health: The Foundation for Ecosystems, Climate Regulation, and Food Security

Abstract

Soil forms the basis of essential ecosystem functions and plays a fundamental role for society, the environment and the economy. Soil health plays a vital role in the preservation and recovery of biodiversity and supports climate regulation by storing and sequestering carbon. Soil is also essential in retaining and purifying water and managing floods and droughts. The importance of soil health extends to maintaining biodiversity and the health and resilience of ecosystems, as it provides an habitat for countless organisms whose interaction helps to break down organic matter, ensure the flow of nutrients and improve plant growth. For society, the benefits of healthy soil include increased agricultural productivity and improved public health through the provision of nutritious food and enhanced food security. Maintaining soil health reduces the costs associated with soil degradation and the need for corrective measures, reinforcing the sustainability of agricultural and forestry practices. This session highlights the urgent need to prioritize soil health, discusses the importance and relevance of appropriate mechanisms and tools for monitoring soil health, and for soil remediation and restoration. The need for comprehensive soil management practices and policy instruments to promote soil health will also be addressed.