Soil Is Declared a National Resource

Senate Resolution Shines Spotlight On The Importance Of Soils.

This is pretty damn cool and frankly, I need to admit I never thought of soil being a resource before. It makes absolutely perfect sense though.

"This resolution comes at a time when soil is widely undervalued," says Rattan Lal, Ohio State University, SSSA Past President. "Soil, and specifically sound soil management, is essential in our continued quest to increase the production of food, feed, fiber, and fuel while maintaining and improving the environment, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Being the essence of all terrestrial life and ecosystem services, we cannot take the soils for granted. Soil is the basis of survival for present and future generations."

The Senate resolution passed six months after the European Union's Soil Protection Framework was tabled due to irreconcilable differences among Parliament membership.

(snip)

"My years growing up working on our family farm taught me the value of hard work and the importance of soil," says Senator [Sherrod] Brown [D-OH]. "Often overlooked, healthy soil is vital to maintaining our natural resources and feeding our nation. This resolution is an important first step in cultivating awareness of our nation's soil policies."

Three cheers for soil!

But importantly, protecting and managing soils, protects and manages soil invertebrates!