World Soil Day is observed on December 5 each year to raise awareness of the importance of healthy soil. Soil grows most of our food, filters water, stores carbon and is home to billions of living organisms. Yet it forms extremely slowly and can be lost quickly through erosion and poor land management. The day, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), encourages everyone to protect this hidden resource.
History of World Soil Day
In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences recommended an international day to celebrate soil. The idea was supported by the Kingdom of Thailand, and December 5 was chosen to honor the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who championed soil conservation.
The FAO backed the proposal, and in December 2013, the UN General Assembly officially designated December 5 as World Soil Day. The first official observance took place in 2014, and 2015 was declared the International Year of Soils. Each year has a theme, such as soil erosion, soil salinity or soil and water.
In the United States, the importance of soil became painfully clear during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, when drought and poor farming practices caused massive dust storms across the Great Plains. In response, Congress created the Soil Conservation Service in 1935, led by Hugh Hammond Bennett. Today it is called the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Why World Soil Day Matters
According to the FAO, about 95 percent of our food comes directly or indirectly from soil. Healthy soil is the foundation of food security.
Soil forms very slowly: it can take hundreds to a thousand years to form just a few centimeters. Erosion, pollution and sealing soil under pavement can destroy it far faster than it can be replaced.
Soil also helps fight climate change by storing carbon, and it filters and holds water, reducing floods and droughts. Protecting soil supports farmers, ecosystems and future generations.
How to Celebrate World Soil Day
- Start composting: turn food scraps into rich soil.
- Plant cover: use mulch, groundcovers or cover crops to protect bare soil.
- Avoid overusing chemicals: use fertilizers and pesticides carefully.
- Learn about the Dust Bowl: explore how soil loss changed American farming.
- Support local farmers: buy from growers who practice soil conservation.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, start a composting program in the office kitchen or plant a small garden on company grounds. In classrooms, students can examine soil samples with magnifying glasses, test how fast water drains through sand, clay and loam, or start a worm composting bin. At home, families can begin composting, mulch garden beds, plant a tree, or learn which plants protect soil from erosion. Kids love digging and discovering earthworms and insects living in the soil.
Fun Facts About World Soil Day
- About 95% of our food comes from soil, according to the FAO.
- The UN designated World Soil Day in 2013.
- The U.S. Soil Conservation Service was created in 1935 after the Dust Bowl.
World Soil Day FAQs
When is World Soil Day?
World Soil Day is observed on December 5 each year.
Who created World Soil Day?
The International Union of Soil Sciences proposed it, and the UN General Assembly designated it in 2013.
Why is soil important?
Soil grows most of our food, filters water, stores carbon and supports billions of organisms.
How long does soil take to form?
It can take hundreds to a thousand years to form just a few centimeters of soil.
What caused the Dust Bowl?
Severe drought combined with farming practices that left soil exposed led to massive dust storms in the 1930s.
How can I protect soil at home?
Compost, mulch, plant groundcovers and use garden chemicals carefully.