World Food Forum: Exploring options for future soil and plant nutrition

October 22, 2022, Rome: Efforts to consolidate and promote alternative fertilizer sources and seek new technologies for cheaper, cleaner and more efficient soil and plant nutrition were on the agenda Thursday at an event of the World Food Forum Science and Innovation Forum.

The high-level ministerial session on innovations in soil and plant nutrient management at the Rome headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) discussed what needs to be done to ensure that the world’s soil will be able to feed the growing population without damaging the planet.

Soil matters

Soil is an essential ingredient for growing food and a key part of the agri-food system. Current and future food security depends on the ability to increase yields and food quality by improving soil fertility and plant nutrition.

The state of soil fertility is declining due to several factors, including soil erosion, nutrient imbalances and salinity, among other soil degradation factors, and unsustainable nutrient management practices.

Topsoil, the most fertile layer of soil, is being lost due to various factors, including unsustainable agriculture. It is estimated that 24 billion tons per year of fertile soil are lost due to erosion.

This is happening against the backdrop of a global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, competition for land and water resources, and the impact of climate change.

In addition, vulnerable countries, particularly in Africa, Latin America and Asia, are grappling with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and where smallholder farmers lack access to inorganic and organic fertilizers.

Long-term care

Addressing the ministerial session, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu made wide-ranging comments on the importance of soil health and innovations to maintain it.

“Soil isn’t just a short-term problem – we all know it’s a long-term problem. Maybe it could take our whole life, and we still might not see the real results. and direct of our efforts, but we have to do this for generations to come – it’s a long-term commitment.In my experience, if you take care of black soil, for example, it will take 40 years to see a 1cm increase in topsoil,” Qu said.

The Director General added that we need to base our efforts on science and technology, such as how to increase soil organic matter.

“Let’s do more in a pragmatic and systematic way, to design how, for example, to reverse soil erosion, soil degeneration and soil salinity,” Qu said.

Qu also stressed the need for investment, especially long-term investment, in soil mapping, which he said reduces the need for fertilizers, for scientific working groups to carry out monitoring and inspections. over the long term, and to harmonize agronomic practices with other measures such as tillage.

Better soil and plant nutrition

Five ministers and former ministers made statements on key soil issues in their countries and their thoughts on efforts to maintain and improve soil health.

The participants were Oumar Ibn Daoud, Chadian Minister of Agricultural Development, Omer Hussein Oba, Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture, Redouane Arrach, Moroccan Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Waters and Forests, Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Zimbabwean Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, and William Dar, former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines. The panel discussion was moderated by journalist Thin Lei Win.

The subject of soil mapping was frequently discussed with biofertilizers during statements and round tables. Soil data, agricultural policy, soil analysis, water resource conservation, soil health programs, modernization of soil management systems, investments and climate change preparedness have all been mentioned.

FAO Chief Scientist Ismahane Elouafi contributed to the session with a summary of the main points of the discussion emphasizing that information is the foundation of sustainable nutrient management. She also highlighted the consensus that sustainable soil management is one of the most cost-effective solutions for increasing soil macro and micronutrient content.

FAO is involved in many soil-related initiatives, including the Global Soil Partnership, the Global Soil Doctors Program and the publication of reports including the Global Soil Pollution Assessment.

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