In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences made a resolution proposing the 5th of December as World Soil Day to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to human well being. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has made it an annual campaign which aims to connect people with soils and raise awareness on their critical importance.

The Soil Health Partnership (SHP), an initiative of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), is encouraging farmers to take some time today to consider ways they can improve soil health. “Soil health is the next frontier in agricultural sustainability,” said SHP director Nick Goeser. “Restoring organic matter through practices like growing cover crops will help soil sequester more carbon while making it more resistant to drought, and more resilient to flooding. These are important goals worldwide as the population grows.”

Not sure where to start? Take a few minutes to watch this fun and informative white board video, “Farmers to the Rescue: How Healthy Soil Can Save the Planet.”