One answer to climate change is right beneath our feet

We need healthy soil to fight climate change

One-third of the world’s crop-growing soils are degraded, partly due to intensive farming. And we lose the equivalent of 30 football pitches of soil every minute!

It’s clear that we need to act.

Why? Because soil is the heart and soul of our planet. Put simply, we can't live without. We need it to: 

• Store carbon. In the UK, soil holds an estimated 9.8 billion tonnes of carbon - that's the equivalent of global emissions from humans in a year! It's an essential resource in tackling climate change.
  
  
• Feed the planet. 95% of the food that we eat comes from soil. 
  
  
• Prevent flooding. Healthy soil has better structure and can reduce soil erosion during flooding.
  
  
• Mitigate drought. Healthy soil stores water, which helps crops survive during times of drought.
  
  

 
What is the Soil Association charity doing to save our soil?

• We are working with farmers to research and test ways of farming that improve their soil.
  
  
• We are lobbying the Government to create soil policies that safeguard UK soil. It is a fundamental environmental resource and should be given at least the same level of protection as water and air. 
  
  
• We are encouraging farmers to adopt organic principles because organic farming already adopts many soil-saving methods.
  
  

What can you do to help save the soil?

• Grow soil-saving plants at home. Certain plants can 'fix' nitrogen and carbon in the soil, and draw up nutrients buried deep down for other plants to use.
• Make small switches to organic. By adding one extra organic item to your shopping basket, you’re voting for a system that prioritises soil health.
• Make a donation to the Soil Association. Support our work with farmers. Every donation, however small, helps us do more to protect our soil.
• Sign up for regular updates. Join our community of supporters to learn more about soil, farming and organic.