In the heart of Jharkhand, India, a pressing call to action echoes from the soil, urging a shift in how we view and manage our planet’s foundation. Pritha Kundu, a researcher from the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, has published a compelling study in the journal ‘Soil Security’ (which translates to ‘Soil Health’ in English), highlighting the critical role of sustainable soil health in bolstering planetary health. Her work underscores the intricate connections between soil, climate change, and the well-being of humans, animals, and plants, advocating for a holistic ‘One Health’ approach.
Kundu’s research paints a stark picture of the current state of our soils. “Soil degradation is a silent crisis,” she warns, pointing to erosion, nutrient loss, pollution, and organic matter depletion as key culprits. These issues, she explains, lead to reduced agricultural yields, deteriorated water quality, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately threatening food security, human health, and ecosystem resilience.
To combat this, Kundu advocates for a suite of sustainable soil health practices. “We need to move beyond chemical-intensive farming,” she insists, highlighting methods like integrated nutrient management, organic farming, biochar, conservation tillage, and precision farming. These practices, she argues, can restore soil health and biodiversity, fostering long-term resilience.
However, the path to sustainable soil health is not without obstacles. Kundu points to limited farmer awareness, high initial costs, lack of quality organic inputs, and insufficient policies as significant hurdles. She also emphasizes the need for enhanced farmer education, provision of sustainable inputs and technologies, and improved research on soil health indicators.
The implications of Kundu’s research extend far beyond the agricultural sector, with significant ramifications for the energy sector. Healthy soils can enhance carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change and reducing the energy sector’s carbon footprint. Moreover, sustainable soil management can improve water quality and quantity, benefiting energy production processes that rely on water resources.
Kundu’s work serves as a clarion call for a paradigm shift in how we view and manage our soils. As she concludes, “Securing soil health is not just about agriculture; it’s about securing the foundation of our planet’s health.” Her research is set to shape future developments in soil management, advocating for a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly approach to agriculture and beyond.