World Soil Day is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. The date was chosen because it corresponds with the official birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, who officially sanctioned the event.
This year, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management celebrates World Soil Day 2021 on December 6 (Monday), with the theme “Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity“. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization, increasing soil awareness and encouraging governments, organizations, communities and individuals around the world to commit to proactively improving soil health.
National Mapping, Characterization and Development of Spatial Database for the Coastal Areas Affected by Salinity (Click the marker for more information)
Photo Contest 2021
1st Prize Winner (CEASE)
Photo by: Elvie B. Francisco | Purok Bagiuo, Brgy. Panikihan, Gumaca, Quezon | November 15, 2021. It’s time to put an end to soil salinization and uplift its productivity. Let’s give our helping hand to the soil that has given us the chance to survive. Your hand could give life support to a dying earth. There is no right time but today, for the younger generation, for the future.
2nd Prize Winner (THREAT IN FOOD SECURITY)
Photo by: Diether Miranda | Purok Talna, Brgy. Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac | November 6, 2021. Too much salt in the soil is a threat to food sufficiency, security, and productivity. Many agricultural lands are associated with this problem due to the extensive groundwater extraction and use of irrigation water that contains salt. This issue is a threat to food security in our country. The picture was captured in Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac. The rice plant in the image represents the basket of goods, and the dry, white, cracking soil beside the plant states the threat to the agriculture sector and that is soil salinization. Hence, stop this culture of farming and promote good agricultural practices that give enough food to the country.
3rd Prize Winner (NEUTRALITY AND SALINITY)
Photo by: Mark Lester Quilang Bagay | Purok Pag-asa, Aurora, Alicia, Isabela | November 15, 2021. Salinity reduce plant growth and water quality resulting in lower crop yields and degraded stock water supplies. Excess salt affects overall soil health, reducing productivity. To prevent salinity use gypsum or sulfuric acid, Plant salt tolerant crops and adequate drainage system.
People’s Choice Award (SOIL SALTINESS)
Photo by: Erwin N. Baguise | Calasiao, Pangasinan | November 13, 2021. A fertile soil produces glucose that makes life sweet. In contrast, degraded soil will cause the taste of hungriness.
Top 10
Photo by: Arthur Pamitan Benosa | Sitio Macoco, Sagunto, Sison, Pangasinan | November 6, 2020
Top 10
Photo by: Ronnie L. Luriaga | Visayas State University | Alangalang, Alangalang, Leyte | November 5, 2021
Top 10
Photo by: Junyphe S. Dayao | Macasing, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
Top 10
Photo by: Mark Dave F. Daguio | Purok 3, San Bartolome, Gerona, Tarlac | November 8, 2021
Top 10
Photo by: Jerey A. Acabal | Brgy. Cabulihan, Ormoc City, Leyte | November 13, 2021
Top 10
Photo by: Clarizza Ann G. Lagasca | Brgy. Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija | November 15, 2021
