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Journal, magazine, bulletinSoils, where food begins: how can soils continue to sustain the growing need for food production in the current fertilizer crisis?
ITPS Soil Letters #6
2023Also available in:
No results found.Soils are directly and indirectly involved in the provision of most ecosystem services vital for humans, including food production, which is fundamental for food security and sovereignty. Soils are the basis for producing more than 95 percent of our food. However, one-third of the world’s soils are degraded to some extent due to erosion, loss of organic carbon and biodiversity, salinization, acidification, compaction, and nutrient imbalance, among other causes. This ITPS Soil Letters reflects on the close link between soil degrading processes and fertility loss and proposes a portfolio of solutions focused on soil health with the ultimate goal of achieving food security. -
Journal, magazine, bulletinA call to protect the world’s food basket: black soils
ITPS Soil Letters #7
2023Also available in:
No results found.Black soils have played a crucial role in global agriculture for many decades, supporting the production of cereals, tuber crops, oilseeds, pastures, and forage systems. Despite covering only 5.6 percent of the global land area, these soils not only provide sustenance for the 223 million people residing on them but also contribute to the global economy through the export of various commodities. However, this invaluable resource is facing multiple threats due to land use changes, unsustainable management practices, and excessive use of agrochemicals. Most black soils have already lost at least half of their carbon stocks, suffer from moderate to severe erosion, nutrient imbalances, acidification, compaction, and loss of soil biodiversity. This ITPS letter emphasizes the need for independent policies and agricultural development programs to address these threats. It highlights the importance of adopting good practices and cropping systems, and proposes a series of actions and recommendations to ensure the sustainable use of black soils. -
Journal, magazine, bulletinUrbanisation and soil sealing
ITPS Soil Letters #5
2022Also available in:
No results found.An important service provided by soils is the support of human settlements, structures and infrastructures. However, once urbanised, soils are usually deeply affected, and often experience the loss of many soil functions, such as the ability to support plant growth and water infiltration, store organic carbon and host biodiversity. The objective of this letter is to draw attention to the issues related to soil sealing and urbanisation, and to provide a brief discussion of what actions need to be taken to prevent excessive loss of soil ecosystem functions and services due to urban development.
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