“No Land, No Future”

Land loss is the record of our future. Experts said that our future can be saved by preventing disasters such as drought and floods.

Üsküdar University Environmental Health Program Head Dr. Lecturer Ahmet Adiller drew attention to the importance of soil and warned, “If there is no soil, there is no future!” Adiller emphasized that soil protection is essential to prevent disasters such as drought, flood, inundation and storm and for a sustainable future.

Why Is Soil So Important?

Dr. Lecturer Ahmet Adiller stated that soil is of vital importance for humans and other living things and said:

• Living space: Soil provides habitat for billions of living things.
• Food source: Plants get the nutrients they need to grow from the soil, and these plants form the base of the food chain.
• Water cycle: The soil absorbs rainwater, filters it and feeds groundwater.
• Climate regulator: Soil plays an important role in combating climate change by storing carbon and converting nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form that plants can use.

What are the consequences of soil loss?

Soil loss and degradation lead to flooding, erosion, desertification and accelerated climate change, which negatively impacts vegetation and water resources, threatens food security and puts human health at risk.

How Can We Protect Our Land?

Dr. Lecturer Ahmet Adiller listed the individual and social measures that can be taken regarding soil protection as follows:

• Reducing chemical use: Conscious use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is important for preserving the chemical structure of the soil.
• Increase recycling: Recycling household waste helps reduce soil-damaging substances.
• Making compost: We can improve the structure of the soil by obtaining compost from kitchen waste.
• Protecting water resources: Efficient use of water and prevention of water pollution improves the quality of the soil.
• Fighting erosion: Protecting vegetation and supporting afforestation efforts helps prevent erosion.
• Reducing consumption: Over-consumption indirectly harms the soil. We can protect our soil by reviewing our needs and developing conscious consumption habits.

Source: HORECA TREND and Science and Health News Agency