Soil is something most of us take for granted, or don’t pay much attention to. But it’s one of Earth’s most important life support systems: in fact 95% of our food comes from soil globally.

World Soil Day – which takes place on the 5th December – is our opportunity to celebrate all soil does for us, learn more about its vital functions, and spread the word of just how important it is for us all to thrive.

Why is soil so important?

Soil is a cornerstone for life on Earth. One cubic metre of healthy soil can retain over 250 litres of water, helping to prevent flooding during heavy rains. Soil also acts as a natural filter, holding onto pollutants and purifying the water in the process. It provides nutrients to feed our crops and an anchor in which their roots can grow, and it’s a habitat for billions of organisms.

What does soil have to do with fashion?

Many fibres and dyes are dependent on soil. From cotton and linen to wool and indigo, they are reliant on healthy soils, whether it’s to grow the fibre or dye crops themselves or to feed and nourish the animals that grow the fibre. Without soil, most of our clothes wouldn’t exist.

Our soil is at risk

Despite being so vital for life and the source of most of our food (and much of our clothing) our soil is under threat, being severely degraded by a mixture of intensive farming practices and natural processes which are exacerbated by current environmental pressures. Up to 40% of the world’s land is now classed as degraded due to causes such as soil being left bare and unprotected, decreasing vital microbial activity; the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides; heavy machinery use, regular digging, tilling, and rotation which disturbs the soil’s structures; and extreme weather events such as high temperatures and flooding. Deforestation and habitat loss also contribute to soil degradation and erosion.

Topsoil, the upper layer where 95% of food is grown, is fast disappearing. In Iowa, where the soil was once so rich it was referred to as black gold, topsoil depth decreased from between 35-45cm at the start of the 20th century to just 15-20cm by the end of it. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 90% of the Earth’s topsoil is likely to be at risk by 2050.

Soil degradation is avoidable

The facts are concerning, but we do have the power to change things. Initiatives such as World Soil Day alongside soil-friendly-farming practices are part of the solution and people across the globe are working hard to raise awareness and improve soil quality.

In 2015, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) published the Revised World Soil Charter. It set out clear guidelines for governments to follow such as supporting research into sustainable soil management and implementing regulations, but it also called upon all individuals using or managing soil to act as stewards of the soil to ensure it’s safeguarded for future generations. Farmers and those in charge of huge swathes of land undoubtedly have the biggest responsibility but it can apply to everyone and all land, including those of us with gardens or involved in community planting projects. We all have a role to play.

What can you do?

• There are steps we can all take to act as stewards of the soil:
• Take a no- or low-dig approach and disturb the soil structures as little as possible
• Avoid using synthetic chemical fertilisers or pesticides
• Use cover crops or mulch to avoid leaving bare, unprotected soil
• Leave off-season weeds in place to prevent erosion and help drainage

The role of regenerative agriculture

Though they are simple actions, the steps listed above actually form part of the foundation for regenerative agriculture, a practice that is vital not just for conserving soils but for actively improving them. Regenerative agriculture - which also includes maintaining crop biodiversity, crop rotation, rotational grazing, natural pest management, and composting – can help improve soil health, hold water to prevent flooding, and promote biodiversity.

Get involved with World Soil Day

If, like us, you want to support the preservation and regeneration of our soil, there are lots of ways to get involved with World Soil Day. The FAO provides a whole host of resources and activity ideas including soil experiments for children, photo contests, and gardening tips.

At Untouched World, we support the conservation and regeneration of soil in several ways, including using organic certified fibres (meaning no harmful, polluting fertilisers and pesticides are used) and sourcing certified regenerative merino. Head to our journal post all about the brilliant regenerative farm from which we source our merino to learn more.