CDA - Centre de Développement de l'Agroécologie

Global Soil Degradation: A Persistent Crisis Worsening in 2024 The map presented here, sourced from UNEP's World Atlas of Desertification (1997), illustrates the global extent of soil degradation. Despite being over two decades old, this map remains alarmingly relevant in 2024, as the global soil crisis continues to escalate. Key Observations and 2024 Updates: 1. Increased Degradation Hotspots: Since 1997, agricultural expansion, urbanization, and unsustainable farming practices have exacerbated soil degradation, especially in regions already marked as vulnerable. For example: The Sahel region in Africa has seen intensified desertification due to climate change and overgrazing. Southeast Asia, marked as stable in this map, now faces severe soil salinization from rising sea levels and intensive monocropping. The Amazon basin, represented here as stable, has suffered massive deforestation, resulting in nutrient-poor soils exposed to erosion. 2. Climate Change as a Multiplicative Factor: Extreme weather events like prolonged droughts, torrential rains, and temperature fluctuations have become more frequent. These stressors accelerate soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and loss of organic matter, especially in degraded and very degraded zones. 3. Biodiversity and Carbon Sequestration at Stake: Soil degradation directly impacts biodiversity by reducing habitat availability for soil microorganisms, critical to ecosystem services. Additionally, degraded soils release stored carbon, contributing to global warming instead of acting as carbon sinks. 4. Current Global Context: In 2024, degraded soils contribute significantly to food insecurity, particularly in regions dependent on subsistence farming. Studies estimate that nearly 40% of global agricultural lands are now moderately to severely degraded. This intensifies pressure on farmers to adopt regenerative practices. So what can we do to address this crisis ? A global coordination, that includes key strategies : Promoting regenerative agriculture, such as agroforestry, cover cropping, and reduced tillage. Implementing policies for sustainable land management, especially in highly vulnerable zones. Enhancing education and funding for soil health initiatives, targeting smallholder farmers. Scaling up carbon farming practices / regenerative agriculture practices to mitigate climate impacts and restore soil functionality. The challenges of soil degradation are not only ecological but also socio-economic, threatening the livelihoods of millions. As this 1997 map warns us, ignoring soil health has dire consequences. It is imperative that in 2024, governments, businesses, and civil society collaborate to reverse this trend. The time to act is now. Soil health underpins the resilience of ecosystems, food systems, and the global climate. Let's commit to sustainable soil management practices for a healthier planet and future generations. #agroecology

Why 3% Organic Matter is Non-Negotiable For Healthy Soils ?🌱 “It’s not the soil that makes the plant, but the plant that makes the soil.” Achieving at least 3% soil organic matter (SOM) is a game-changer for farmers and the future of agriculture. Here’s why: 🔍 The Science Behind 3% SOM Retains water: SOM can hold up to 20x its weight in water, making your fields drought-resilient. Feeds biology: Plants convert sunlight into sugars that fuel microbial activity, forming humus and boosting nutrient availability. Maintain soil porosity: Soil organic matter increase compaction resistance Enhances productivity: Healthier soils mean higher yields, better nutrient cycling, and reduced need for inputs like fertilizers and irrigation. 📈 What’s in it for farmers? For every 1% increase in SOM, your soil stores an additional 12mm of water eq. per acre (or 20mm/ha) For every 1% increase in SOM, your soil stores an additional 52 gallons par acres (or 60kg/ha) For every 1% increase in SOM, your soil can resist to compaction and maintain naturally a better structure That’s savings, security, and sustainability all in one ! 🛠 How to Build SOM: 1️⃣ Plant cover crops. 2️⃣ Reduce tillage. 3️⃣ Diversify crops and rotations. 4️⃣ Add organic matter like compost. 5️⃣ Keep residues on the field. At Biospheres, we champion regenerative practices that make soil your most powerful ally. By working with nature, not against it, we secure a productive and sustainable future for farming. What strategies have worked for you to improve soil health? Let’s discuss how we can regenerate our soils—and our planet—together. This balances technical depth with clarity and impact. Let me know if you'd like further tweaks!

Dans le cadre des projets sur les impliviums, la mise en place d’essai permet d’améliorer les pratiques de fertilisation. Anthony LE QUEMENER Gwladys Fontanieu Marine GUILLIER Héloïse Augros Anouck JOUANIN Renaud Loesel