Soil Sustainability Takes Center Stage: UDUS Marks World Soil Day

Students and Staff of Soil Science, UDUS Marks World Soil Day, Emphasizes Monitor, Measure an Manage.

By Musa Aminah

Nigeria, with over 70.8 million hectares of agricultural land, is one of Africa’s largest agricultural producers. However, soil-related challenges threaten the country’s agricultural productivity and sustainability. Farmers face numerous challenges, including soil erosion, salinization, flooding, declining fertility, and desert encroachment.

December 5th marked the celebration of World Soil Day, a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to raise awareness about the importance of soil health and promote sustainable soil management practices globally. The day commemorates the birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, a strong advocate for sustainable soil management practices.

However, the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, celebrated World Soil Day with enthusiasm. Students from the department shared their insights on the importance of soil conservation and what inspired them to pursue the field.

Student Perspectives

Muhammad Bashir Shuaib, in a brief introduction, discusses the importance of World Soil Day, and he specifically emphasizes on the theme of this year, “Caring for Soils: measure, monitor and Manage; he emphasizes that the theme focuses on the importance of soil information and data accuracy. “World Soil Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of soil and healthy Ecosystems; this year’s theme calls to care for the soil while carefully measuring, monitoring and managing the soil data and information for a proper understanding of soil characteristics.”

Malashi Magdaline, the class representative of the current graduating student, she shared her view on how she felt about celebrating World Soil Day and what it meant to her.

“I am very excited. This is my first time celebrating this day as World Soil Day. I am happy to know that soil has a day to be celebrated I wish to be in the form of an educative gathering about the soil to light the day, Soil is an important part of the ecosystem and it is crucial for food security”

Kabiru Mustapha, the best graduating student from the department in the year 2023, offered his perspective also; he said: “Celebrating World Soil Day is essential for recognizing the critical role soil plays in supporting life on Earth and promoting sustainable soil management practices. Celebrating World Soil Day helps to educate people about the importance of soil science and its contribution to sustainable development, it also helps us to encourage sustainable soil management and, to some extent, support soil science research through innovative soil management practices to improve food security.”

Why did you study Soil science

Oyeyemi Abdul Basit responded to the question of why he chose soil science as a field of specialization; he noted that he found interest in the field due to his quest for climate action and soil health for food security. “What drew me to study soil science is the profound impact it has on our ecosystem. I like to think of soil as “the soul of infinite life” because it’s the foundation of life on Earth. Without healthy soil, climate, food security, and nutrient quality all suffer, ultimately affecting food production.

“I find soil science fascinating because it’s often overlooked, yet it’s the backbone of agriculture. Many people assume that studying agriculture means focusing on animal or crop production, but there’s so much more to it. Soil science is the unsung hero, providing the foundation for all life to thrive. By understanding and managing soil effectively, we can have a positive impact on the environment and our collective future” he shared.

Role of Soil Scientist

Abdul Rahaman Mustapha, while explaining the relationship between crop science and soil science, recognises the important role of soscientistsists. He said: “Soil scientists can help develop and promote practices that reduce soil pollution, Such as the use of cover crops and organic amendments to improve soil health and reduce environmental pollution and stop the use of non-degradable material.” Mr Mustapha Abdul Rahman Added

Lecturer’s Insight

Dr. Abubakar Aliyu Garba, the Head of the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management and North West Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Institute of Soil Science emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to protect Nigeria’s soil resources. He stated that the theme of this year’s World Soil Day, “Measure, Monitor, and Manage,” highlights the need for accurate soil information and data.

WhileDr. Garba presented the importance of thisyear’sr theme, he urged both citizens and the government to play their roles in protecting Nigeria’s soil health. He emphasized the need for the government to develop and implement effective policies and regulations to prevent soil degradation. Individuals can contribute to soil conservation by adopting environmentally friendly habits, such as reducing waste, recycling organic waste, and using eco-friendly products.

In Conclusion, World Soil Day highlights the importance of soil health and sustainable management practices. Soil provides 95% of our food, supports biodiversity, and regulates the climate. We must work together to promote sustainable soil practices, reduce pollution, and protect soil biodiversity.

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