Soil Security

Those attending the symposium outlined the following goals in the area of soil condition:

– Reduce soil nutrient depletion by 50 percent by 2030.

– Increase water capture by 20 percent by 2030.

– Increase carbon content of agriculture-based topsoil by 20 percent by 2030.

– Reduce soil losses to the tolerable soil erosion rate for 90 percent of managed soil by 2030.

The group determined aesthetic consideration can drive the general population to appreciate and understand the relevance of soil.

“We hope that participatory learning by managers and experiential learning at schools can have the potential to change mindsets on soil value and management,” Morgan said. “Intergenerational equity is a strong human driver of soil security.

“The soil health concept provides an effective means of connecting the importance of sustainable soil management by soil managers with the broader community,” she said. “And, it provides the means to help build recognition by society of the important role that soil managers play in maintaining soil function for the production of food, fiber and other ecosystem services.”

According to the report, a 90 percent awareness and understanding of soil security among the general public by 2030 was set as a major goal in the area of connecting society to the soil. Toward achieving this goal, more specific objectives may include the following:

– Integrate soil security policy with agricultural policy in nations that are net exporters of food by 2020.

– Establishment of community gardens in 90 percent of primary schools globally, supported by a learning curriculum, by 2020.

– Increase the area of agricultural soil managed by those with soil management certification by 50 percent by 2030.

– Engage 0.1 percent of the population to nurture and connect their values with securing soil by 2030.

– Increase the use of practices focusing on soil aesthetics into strategies to secure soil by 100 percent by 2030.

The group sought to tie in economics by suggesting natural capital should influence 90 percent of the lending decisions by 2030; and soil management accreditation should be incorporated into 90 percent of environmental stewardship branding or labeling of products by 2030.

While there are national arrangements, international policy around soil security so far has been missing, the report stated. However, with the approximately 85 people from 14 countries and 40 institutions meeting in this round of discussion, and other meetings planned, that is expected to change.

The discussion will continue with a focus of developing dialogue among land managers, multidisciplinary scientists and policymakers at the 2017 Global Soil Security Symposium in Paris.