Soil is itself a living resource, and at the same time, guarantees human life. Soil provides a habitat for a full quarter of all life on the planet and supports ecosystems which make the survival of the human species possible, according to Ronald Vargas, soil specialist for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) speaking in Havana, on June 3, during the inauguration of an international Soil Congress, with the participation of 260 delegates from 15 countries.
Being celebrated in 2015 is the International Year of Soils, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of Cuba’s Soil Science Society.
Vargas continued his opening remarks, noting that while 95% of all human food production depends on soil, this resource plays other important roles in climate regulation, the absorption of carbon dioxide, water purification, and pollution mitigation, in addition to providing a habitat for innumerable species and controlling floods. Beyond providing food, soil based plants supply fiber, fuel, and pharmaceuticals, he said.
Dagoberto Rodríguez, Cuba’s director for soils and fertilizer at the Ministry of Agriculture, reported that 70% of Cuba’s 6.7 million hectares of agricultural land is low in organic matter, and more than 76% is categorized as low producing, which makes optimizing soil use a priority.
The event will conclude today, June 5, on World Environment Day, with several symposiums take placing in Havana’s Convention Center.
