December 5th is also World Soil Day and its aim is to highlight the importance of the richness of soil on our planet. Afterall we need rich soil to grow our food for our basic survival needs. It is also linked with the United Nations' (UN) Year of Soil.

What makes up our soil?

Soil is made up of organic material such as, clay and rock particles, which are found on the surface of the Earth.

We plant our crops in the soil to grow our food which reduces the nutrient content of the soil. The waste plant matter such as dead leaves etc break down and are absorbed by the soil re-energising it.

Unfortunately problems like deforestation, bad agricultural practices and pollution cause soil degradation as well as erosion. You only have to look at the colour of a river or puddles in the street after heavy rain to see the effects of the topsoil being washed away. Here where I live by the coast you can see the discolouration of the sea at any river mouth as the soil enriched water flows into the sea.

The UN saw a need to raise awareness about the dangers of soil loss, so it made World Soil Day and official day. It was first celebrated on December 5, 2012, which corresponded with the birthday of Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej, who officially sanctioned the event.

Thousands of soil scientists and organisations, like the International Union of Soil Sciences, promote the day via social media, YouTube videos, and local events to talk about issues such as soil erosion and preserving soil.