Although ubiquitous, the role of the earth’s greatest and oldest resource is often ignored. Yet soils serve essential functions, supporting the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural systems and improving climate resilience. Our lack of awareness of its value and continued mismanagement has resulted in a trend of soil degradation leading to increasing food insecurity.
“I do not think we are in a position to guarantee our own food security.” – Dr. Gaius Eudoxie. Dr Gaius Eudoxie is an accomplished soil scientist and a true advocate for soils. His enthusiasm for soils has evolved into a fulfilling career, spanning 20+ years dealing with dirt. On Episode 11 of The Climate Conscious Podcast he chats with host Derval Barzey about the immense value of soils as the center of our ecosystems.
Due to their limited land mass, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like countries of the Caribbean region should pay careful attention to the sustainable management of soils. There is an urgent need for national interventions to guarantee our food security and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture;which is linked to SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Disruptions to food supply systems, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the absolute need for sustainable agricultural systems. Sustainable agriculture embodies the three dimensions of sustainability: Social, Economic and Environmental. Meeting these three criteria builds resilience against natural and man-made shocks such as the pandemic and the climate crisis. Additionally, soils are our allies in the fight against climate change through carbon sequestration.
A clear strategy for sustainable use of soils lies in composting of organic waste to produce stable organic fertilizer. The incorporation of this stabilized organic matter offers many benefits to our soils here in the tropics, which are naturally low in organic matter, (less than 3%):
1. Improving soil quality and the efficiency of agricultural production
2. Sequestration of carbon dioxide
3. Stabilizing the soils against erosion and degradation from intense rainfall
4. Minimizing waste through the circular model.
Dr Eudoxie takes us into the biochemical process of composting and the work of microbes in out living soils. He explains the distinction between decomposition and composting and concludes with useful tips for home gardeners.
Key take away: Treat our soils as the living element they are.
Resources mentioned:
Global Soil Partnership of the UN FAO: https://youtu.be/invUp0SX49g
Contact Dr. Eudoxie: gaius.eudoxie@sta.uwi.edu
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