The importance of soils for agricultural development, ecosystem functions, and food security was at the center of a meeting organized yesterday by the National Higher School of Agronomy (ENSA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
This meeting, held on the occasion of the World Soil Day, which coincides with December 5 each year, was themed “Healthy soils for healthy cities.”
The focus was thus placed on the strategic role of soils in maintaining ecological functions, preventing their degradation, and protecting natural resources. This World Soil Day aims to strengthen awareness of the importance of soils for agricultural development, ecosystem functions, and food security.
For the FAO resident representative in Algeria, Irna Buttoud, “the valorization and protection of soils remain a crucial but often forgotten issue,” affirming that this day constitutes “a space of encounter between research, innovation, and solutions.” In her opening speech, she emphasized the necessity to coordinate efforts. “I am convinced that together we will reach the common goal, namely to promote knowledge, research, and good soil management practices in urban and peri-urban areas,” Ms. Buttoud stated, reiterating FAO’s ongoing commitment to promoting science to achieve sustainable development goals.
Several strategic themes were chosen for this scientific day, led by academic researchers and experts, such as soil salinity, a major challenge for the sustainability of Algerian agriculture.
This is a challenge that must be taken into account, especially as Algeria has embarked on the path to achieving its food security. This was affirmed by Abdelkader Laribi, deputy director of external relations at ENSA, who, in his statement to the press, stressed the need to give great importance to this aspect, stating that “the issue of soil salinity constitutes a real problem.” A problem present in Algeria, which counts salty soils that “represent approximately 1.2 million hectares mapped,” and which can reach 3.2 million hectares if salinity levels are considered. He pointed out the existence of primary and secondary salinity, the latter mainly being the result of the quality of irrigation water used. “Using poor-quality water increases soil salinity levels,” explained Mr. Laribi, who noted the repercussions of this situation on yields. Solutions exist, according to the deputy director of external relations at ENSA, who mentioned “preventive and curative solutions.” According to him, the preventive approach must be chosen, notably through controlling the water used for irrigation, because, he said, curative solutions are costly. All of this passes through awareness-raising and a consciousness of stakeholders.
This official also returned to the objective of this day, mainly focused on raising awareness among all relevant actors about the strategic importance of soils. “It is a rare resource. A non-renewable resource,” he specified, emphasizing the necessity of protecting it. “Protecting soils means ensuring our food security but also ensuring the food security of future generations,” stressed Mr. Laribi, highlighting the work of the school, particularly the pedology department.
“We work to develop, improve, raise awareness, and popularize the soil resource.” Preservation as well as sustainable soil management are more necessary than ever, given the effects of climate change. “We are forced to adapt and propose solutions,” he emphasized.