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As the World marks Soil Day, farmers have been urged to engage in appropriate farming system to guide against building of salt in the soil.
President, Soil Science Society of Nigeria, Professor Bashir Raji made the call in Ilorin, in an exclusive interview with Correspondent Lanre Omotoso on today’s occasion of World Soil Day with the theme “Halt Soil Salinization, Boost Soil Productivity.”
Professor Raji stated that soil could become salty due to poor irrigation, accumulated fertilizer without sufficient rainfall to wash it down to the root of crops, particularly in the Northern parts of the country.
The President, Soil Science Society of Nigeria emphasised that if not properly checked, salty soil would lead to unhealthy crops and could threaten food security.
Professor Raji however explained that salty soil could be removed through proper drainage and treatment of water and soil.
The President, Soil Science Society of Nigeria affirmed that if properly nurtured, soil could contribute to food security efforts, prevent hunger, climate change adaptation, reduce poverty and contribute to sustainable development.
In December 2013, the Sixty-Eighth United Nations Assembly declared December Fifth every year as World Soil Day to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystem and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management.
