Sen. Cynthia Villar said she has been pushing programs for healthy soil to support resilient agricultural systems and sustainable food production.
Speaking during the 1st National Soil Health Summit on June 21 at the Diamond Hotel, Villar noted that by maintaining the fertility of the soil, agricultural productivity can be ensured. This will ensure an abundant and diverse food supply.
“When we think about agriculture, food production, and the overall health of our ecosystems, it all traces back to the health of the soil beneath us,” also said Villar.
“Soil is the foundation upon which life thrives, providing a nurturing environment for plants, animals, and microorganisms alike,” she said.
She stressed that healthy soil holds numerous benefits. such as sustaining productivity and acting as a reservoir for essential nutrients, water, and organic matter that plants need to grow and flourish.
Furthermore, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment said soil health provides essential environmental services.
“Healthy soil acts as a natural filter, purifying and regulating the water that flows through it. It aids in flood prevention by improving water infiltration and retention, reducing erosion and runoff,” Villar said.
According to the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS), soil health is “the ability of the soil to sustain the productivity, diversity, and environmental services of terrestrial ecosystems.”
Villar emphasized that the country’s soil is facing numerous challenges. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported hat 75% of total cropland is vulnerable to erosion of various degrees.
Soil degradation, unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, pollution, and climate change have all taken a toll on soil health.
Because of this, it is imperative that we prioritize soil health and adopt sustainable practices that restore and preserve the vitality of our soils.
“We must promote organic farming methods, reduce the use of harmful chemicals and fertilizers, and conduct soil assessment before utilizing the land for crop production,” Villar said.