As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental health, the University of Guelph is proud to celebrate World Soil Day 2024. This global observance, held annually on Dec. 5, helps raise awareness about the crucial role of soil in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting human life.
The theme for this year’s World Soil Day is caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage and underscores the importance of accurate soil data and information in understanding soils characteristics and supporting informed decision-making on sustainable soil management for food security.
U of G is home to soil research expertise, with researchers working to unearth the secrets of soil health and seed innovation. Our unique Soils at Guelph initiative, funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University.
Additionally, U of G operates the Ontario Crops Research Centre in Elora, which is owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO). The site is home to a state-of-the-art soil health centre that is unique in North America.
Learn more about ground-breaking soil research happening at U of G.
World Soil Day Webinar
Thursday, Dec. 5, 1 p.m. (Virtual)
Join Soils at Guelph and the Greenbelt Foundation for a virtual webinar and learn about soil health testing and how to turn results into recommendations. Topics include an introduction to OMAFA’s Soil Health Assessment and Plan (SHAP), how organizations are using SHAP, how to translate soil health scores into recommendations, the latest BMPs updates and how you can get involved. Farmer Advisors of all types are encouraged to attend.
Better, Faster, Stronger Soil Data Can Feed the Planet
There is an urgent need for improved soil health measurement, reporting, and verification to combat climate change and enhance food systems. That’s why Dr. Asim Biswas, Canada research chair in digital agriculture, is creating affordable technology that provides rapid and accurate soil data, aiming to integrate technology, data, and decision-making seamlessly to transform global food production.
You can also read more about Biswas’ soil research in Breaking Ground: In-Field Soil Sensing is the Key to Precision Agriculture.
University of Guelph Students at the Forefront of Soil Health Research
At the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), graduate students are leading innovative research to improve soil health, shaping the future of agriculture and sustainability. From reducing soil compaction to addressing microplastic contamination, their work underscores the value of healthy soils for ensuring food security and mitigating climate change.