Soil is the living skin of the planet
Soil is the living skin of the planet: here’s why we must save it
When we talk about the environment, we immediately think of air and water. But there is an invisible and often forgotten resource that preserves life on Earth: soil.
It’s not just “dirt,” but a living organism on which the food we eat, the water we drink, and even climate stability depend.
Why soil is essential –
Soil is the planet’s skin. It takes thousands of years to form just a few centimeters of this vital layer, yet a few decades of poor practices are enough to destroy it.
Here’s what it does for us:
– produces food, fiber, biomass, and raw materials;
– regulates the water, carbon, and nutrient cycles;
– hosts billions of invisible living organisms;
– captures CO₂ and combats climate change.
According to the UN, 52% of the world’s agricultural land is degraded.
Europe takes action –
With the Green Deal, the “Farm to Fork” strategy, and the new plan for soil protection, the European Commission has set specific objectives:
– halt desertification,
– reduce erosion and contamination,
– increase soil organic matter,
– restore degraded soils by 2030.
The goal? Within a few years, European agriculture will have to help absorb 310 million tons of CO₂, 15% more than today.
Agriculture: part of the problem, part of the solution –
Intensive agricultural practices have depleted soil, reduced biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
But agriculture itself can become the key to change by adopting new, more environmentally friendly tillage techniques.
Innovative soil management techniques –
– Reduced tillage: no deep plowing, only light interventions.
– Minimum tillage: shallow passes, keeping crop residues on the surface.
– Vertical tillage: working a few centimeters without turning the soil.
– Strip tillage: sowing in strips, leaving the rest covered with vegetation.
A fascinating journey into agroecology: discover how nature and agriculture can grow together.
To buy the book:
“Principles and Foundations of Agroecology”
click on the cover image
A study by the University of Padua showed that no-till fields reduce water runoff and sediment loss by up to 95% compared to traditional fields.
Perennialization: The Future of Fields –
One of the most promising innovations is perennialization: the use of perennial crops that do not require annual tillage.
According to recent studies, these plants can:
– regenerate degraded soils,
– improve fertility and nutrient availability,
– increase biodiversity,
– capture carbon, combating the climate crisis.
The clear message: without soil, there is no future –
Soil is finite. It is a fragile resource, a common good that sustains life on Earth.
Its protection requires bold policies, training for new farmers, and the widespread adoption of agroecological practices.
Every square meter of regenerated soil is a step toward a healthier, more fertile, and more sustainable future.
The next time you walk in a field, remember: beneath your feet is not just “earth,” but the beating heart of the planet.
Guido Bissanti
Bibliography:
– Bissanti G., Guccione G., Manachini B., Quatrini P. Sturla A. (2025). Principi e Fondamenti di Agroecologia. ISBN-13 979-1280140401. Medinova. Favara (AG).