World Soil Day
December 5 · Level 8 · #498 of 2238
World Soil Day reminds us that the ground underfoot is not just dirt but a living system that feeds people and stores water and carbon. Each year the FAO suggests a slogan to draw attention to taking better care of the land.
How it is celebrated: schools and environmental groups hold talks, exhibitions and field trips, while farmers and volunteers run open lessons and planting days. Plenty of people simply step into a garden or park and dig around to see what lives in the soil.
The date is a tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who was born on 5 December and was known for his interest in soil. The UN General Assembly made the day official in 2013, and it was first marked in 2014.