Wind and water erosion carry away as much as 40 million tonnes of topsoil each year, said the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in a report that lists erosion as one of several threats to food production. One-third of the world’s ice-free land is in agricultural use and the majority of the “soil resources” are “in only fair, poor or very poor condition,” says the agency. “This trend can be reversed provided countries take the lead in promoting sustainable management practices and the use of appropriate technologies.”
“The solution proposed is one that centers on sustainable soil management and which requires the participation of a broad level of stakeholders ranging from governments to small-holder farmers,” said FAO. The four priorities for action include “stabilize or reduce global use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer, while increasing fertilizer use in regions of nutrient deficiency.” Supporting actions could include use of zoning authority to shield prime agricultural land from urban sprawl, taxes to discourage excessive use of fertilizer and pesticides, and subsidies to encourage soil-saving practices.