Day 5: Soil: Where food begins | World Soil Day 2022

“The soil is the great connector of our lives, the source and destination of all.” – Wendell Berry.

Does your child like digging in the dirt, helping you in the garden, or being curious about your indoor plants? 

Soil is everywhere; it’s like the skin that covers parts of the Earth’s surface and is home to plants, trees, insects, worms, and many more.

Day 5 of our 25 days of learning series is World Soil Day. Let’s take this opportunity to talk to our kids about what soil is and why it is crucial to preserve it.

When is World Soil Day observed?

World Soil Day (WSD) is observed annually on December 5, chosen because it is the birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand, who officially sanctioned the event.

Why is World Soil Day celebrated every year?

WSD is celebrated every year to focus on the importance of healthy soil and advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

What is soil?

Soil is the loose uppermost layer of the Earth’s surface where plants and trees grow. It’s a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air.

How is soil formed?

• Soil is formed over long periods.
• It can take up to 1,000 years to form an inch of soil.
• The mineral part of the soil is formed from rocks. Changes in the forces of winds, temperature, and water break rocks down into tiny particles.
• The organic matter of soil is formed from plant and animal decay. Decay is mixed with mineral rock particles, helping form pores in the soil, which keeps it soft and loose and provides nutrients to plants and bacterial life.

6 Main types of soil 

Why is it important to preserve soil?

• Soil provides a place for plants and trees to grow—helping them with necessary nutrients and water.
• Many animals, fungi, bacteria, and millions of microorganisms rely on soil for survival.
• Without healthy, nutrient-rich soil, farmers would not be able to provide us with food, fiber, and fuel.
• Because it might take around 500–1,000 years for just 1 inch of soil to form, it is crucial to protect it from erosion.
• Soil filters out dust, chemicals, and other contaminants from water giving us clean underground water sources.
• Soil also helps regulate Earth’s temperature.

Talking about the significance of soil for the planet’s future is always good. Even if your child is too young to understand the importance of preserving soil, spend some time unearthing different soil types around your house. It is one way to take learning outside classroom doors and into nature.

Head on over to byjuslearning.com to learn more about our Active Learning approach to Math, Language, and Reading for children between Pre-K and Grade 3.