World Soil Day to be marked with awareness campaigns across Nepal

Kathmandu, Dec. 4:The government is set to mark World Soil Day on December 5, 2025, by organising a range of awareness programmes aimed at informing farmers and the general public about soil quality and encouraging the adoption of clean production techniques to promote soil health.

World Soil Day is observed annually on December 5 to raise awareness and mobilise global efforts for the sustainable management of soil fertility. 

The Day was first officially recognised in 2013 after the 68th United Nations General Assembly endorsed a proposal from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

This year marks the 12th World Soil Day, which is being celebrated worldwide with the slogan “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.” In Nepal, the Day was first celebrated in 2014 with the launch of mobile on-site soil testing services in Panchkhal, Kavrepalanchowk.

According to the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the objective of the Day is to promote sustainable soil management, strengthen soil fertility, and ensure healthy soils for future generations.

Natural causes—including soil erosion, flooding, climate change, soil acidity resulting from commercial and intensive farming systems, loss of organic matter and nutrients, and soil pollution caused by rapid urbanisation and industrialisation—have resulted in a continuous decline in arable land worldwide, negatively impacting soil structure and fertility. 

In addition, soil quality is deteriorating due to the low adoption of healthy production techniques, unbalanced use of chemical fertilisers, limited use of organic fertilisers, and uncontrolled use of agrochemicals. These factors have created serious challenges to food security and 

the ecosystem.

According to the Department, the Day is being observed in Nepal by organising various awareness programmes and soil testing at the central, provincial, and local levels.

Nepal loses about 1.7 millimetres of topsoil annually

As per Digital Soil Map (DSM) data, of the total soils tested, about 54 per cent were found to be acidic, 29 per cent neutral, and 17 per cent alkaline. The soil in eastern Nepal was found to be more acidic than in western Nepal.

Last year, about 53 per cent of the soil was acidic, 33 per cent neutral, and 14 per cent alkaline.

Most of Nepal’s soils have low levels of organic matter. About 37 per cent of soils have low organic matter, 45 per cent have medium levels, and 18 per cent have high levels.

According to the Department, soils in the Tarai region, in particular, have lower organic matter content than those in the hills and mountains.

Last year, 36.9 per cent of soils had low organic matter content, 46.7 per cent had medium content, and 16.4 per cent had high content.

According to the report, Nepal's soil has an average organic matter content of 2.59 per cent.

Last year, the average was 2.77 per cent.

In Nepal, about 1.7 millimetres of topsoil is lost annually due to soil erosion. Nationwide, about 28 per cent of soils have low nitrogen levels, 48 per cent have medium levels, and 24 per cent have high nitrogen levels. The Tarai region has been found to have lower nitrogen levels than the hills and mountains.

Similarly, phosphorus levels were found to be low in about 35 per cent of soils, moderate in 21 per cent, and high in 44 per cent.

Potash levels appear to be low in about 28 per cent of soils, moderate in 48 per cent, and high in 24 per cent.

The Department stated that the main reasons for the deterioration of soil health in Nepal are the low use of cow dung or compost and green manure, unbalanced use of chemical fertilisers, increasing pesticide use, and lack of crop rotation.

Intensive cultivation using unscientific methods, complete removal or burning of crop residues after harvesting, continuous soil erosion, and increasing industrial pollution have further contributed to declining soil health.

It is necessary for farmers to test their soil periodically, use appropriate technologies, and apply compost fertilisers to preserve soil health.

The government continues to promote sustainable soil management through several policy initiatives. 

The National Fertiliser Policy, 2058, aims to improve soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity. 

Meanwhile, the Digital Soil Map Campaign, launched on February 21, 2021, is ongoing under established management procedures.