​The theme for World Soil Day 2024, "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage," highlights the crucial role of accurate soil data and information in understanding soil characteristics and enabling informed decision-making for sustainable soil management and food security.

Soil data encompasses the raw measurements of soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, gathered through advanced tools like sampling, laboratory analysis, and remote sensing technologies. Soil information, on the other hand, refers to the analyzed and synthesized representation of this data, which provides actionable insights into soil health, function, and management. Together, they form the backbone of sustainable agriculture, guiding land use, agricultural practices, and policy development at all levels.

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Emerging technologies such as digital soil mapping, machine learning, and cloud computing are revolutionizing how we measure and utilize soil data. Regularly updated and shared soil data allows farmers, researchers, and policymakers to make decisions that reflect the reality of the soil, enhancing productivity while conserving resources. However, barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and limited data-sharing frameworks hinder the full potential of soil information systems. Initiatives like the Global Soil Information System (GloSIS), the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), and FAO-supported programs like SoilFER are working to address these gaps. By building national soil information systems, harmonizing data at regional and global levels, and strengthening laboratory capacities, these efforts empower countries to better manage their soil resources.

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The impact of accurate soil management extends beyond agriculture. By aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as food security, climate action, and biodiversity preservation, soil data plays a pivotal role in sustainable development. For example, effective use of soil data can enable carbon sequestration of up to 2 gigatons of CO2 annually and improve nutrient efficiency in crops by 30%, contributing to both environmental and food security goals.

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As we embrace this year’s theme, we emphasize the need for collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility to measure, monitor, and manage soils effectively, securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

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Did you know?

95% of our food comes from soils.

33% of soils are degraded.

It can take up to 1 000 years to produce just 2-3 cm of soil.

Soils supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants.

There are more living organisms in a tablespoon of soil than people on Earth.

Over the last 70 years, the level of vitamins and nutrients in food has drastically decreased.

2 billion people worldwide suffer from lack of micronutrients, known as hidden hunger.

Agricultural production will have to increase by 60% to meet the global food demand in 2050. 

Up to 58% more food could be produced through sustainable soil management.  

Up to half of our household waste could be composted to nurture our soil.

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