Every December 5th, we are reminded of the importance of preserving soil health and sustainably managing this vital resource through the celebration of World Soil Day. Established in 2014 by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), this day aims to raise awareness of the critical role soil plays in our lives. This year’s campaign, themed „Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage”, emphasizes the need for accurate soil data to make informed decisions that contribute to its preservation.
Soil is the foundation of life, as over 95 percent of our food originates from it. It also provides essential chemical elements required for plant growth. However, due to climate change and human activities, soils worldwide are increasingly at risk of degradation.
Soil erosion and the loss of organic matter threaten its fertility, while pollution reduces its quality. Sustainable practices such as reduced tillage, crop rotation, adding organic matter, and using cover crops can improve soil conditions, reduce erosion, and increase water retention capacity, directly contributing to the fight against climate change.
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What is the State of Soil in Serbia?
Serbia’s soils face challenges such as erosion, heavy metal pollution, and excessive use of chemicals in agriculture. According to data from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), 10.3 percent of Serbia’s population is exposed to land degradation, while inadequate resource management further contributes to the loss of soil fertility.
The Law on Soil Protection, adopted in Serbia in 2015, introduced measures including a Cadastre of Contaminated Soil Sites under the Environmental Protection Agency.
Within the national cadastre, 709 potentially endangered sites have been identified, many of which require further investigation or remediation. Industrial zones, such as those in Pančevo and Belgrade, often exceed allowable levels of heavy metals due to intensive human activities.
To improve soil conditions, Serbia has implemented numerous measures, including promoting organic farming, educating farmers on sustainable practices, and reforesting eroded areas. Additionally, international projects have helped establish monitoring systems for soil quality control, enabling timely interventions to preserve this vital resource.
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