World Soil Day: Horticulture Experts Advocate for Soil Biodiversity and Carbon Sequestration

Srinagar: Department of Horticulture Kashmir on the occasion of world Soil Day today organized a workshop at conference Hall of Horticulture Complex Rajbagh Srinagar under the chairmanship of Director Horticulture Kashmir Zahoor Ahmad Bhat. Director in his keynote address elaborated that how soil is the fundamental ingredient of the composition of our planet and importance of healthy soil for survival of fauna and flora on the earth planet. Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link with soil. Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils, he said.

However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life, and decreasing the level of vitamins and nutrients in food. In the situation like this it has become inevitable to adopt Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage.

These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Nature has bestowed us with fertile and balanced soil so it is our duty to safeguard it save future of our coming generations. Our department has a facility of Soil analysis for our forming community to enhance produce as well as fruit crop quality.

In the technical session Soil and Leaf Analyst Riyaz Ahmad Shah through his power point presentation discussed in detail the pros and cons of soil analysis, its importance, procedure of soil sampling and modern techniques. he concluded his presentation with the point that in order to get optimum yield and to maintain soil health we have to adopt integrated management practices. For that it is of profound importance to reach out to farming community with awareness as well as technique. The work shop was attended by the officers and field functionaries of department.