Sadhguru (aka Jaggi Vasudev), founder of Isha foundation, went on a 100-day motorbike journey across three continents as part of his mission to raise awareness about soil degradation and the benefits of organic farming- the Save soil movement.
The Indian guru kicked off his Save Soil campaign earlier this year after a trek across 27 nations and 11 Indian states logging 19,000 miles. The 64-year-old started his solo odyssey in the United Kingdom and covered Europe and the Middle East before arriving in June in New Delhi to share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the ‘Save Soil Movement’ program.
Sadhguru has an unconventional style (motorcycle riding!) and penchant for causes not considered traditional for spiritual gurus. In 2017, he had launched Rally for Rivers to raise awareness about the dire state of India’s rivers, which was supported by millions of people, making it the largest ever ecological initiative of its kind.
Sadhguru says 87% of life forms on this planet including microbes, worms, insects, birds, animals, human beings, plants, trees and every other vegetation on the planet, are sustained by an average of 39 inches of topsoil. And that is in grave danger right now. In the last 40 years, 40% of the world’s topsoil has been lost.
WHO, UNESCO, and the Commonwealth of Nations have lauded and joined hands with Sadhguru’s Save Soil campaign.
Why save soil
Soil is the basis for sustenance for all 8 billion people on our planet. It preserves clean water and helps regulate the climate. Soil degradation reduces agricultural yields and threatens farmers’ livelihoods. Soil that has been leached of its nutrients cannot support crops, or plants that prevent desertification. Healthy soil is essential to ensure a steady supply of food and biodiversity. Soil loss translates into widespread poverty and slower economic development.
Ways to save soil
Here are ways you can save soil with the comfort of your home.
Creating compost
Organic matter is the part of soil that is made from dead and decaying plants or animals. It’s an essential ingredient in healthy soil, helping it hold onto nutrients and water. In agro-ecological ways of farming, like organic, farmers use around 65% more manure and compost! As a result, soil organic matter is higher on organic farms.
An easy way to boost soil organic matter is to apply compost – this will ‘feed’ your soil with a diversity of nutrients and micro-organisms. Fallen leaves and dead plants will add to soil organic matter too, as well as providing a home for insects and other garden-dwelling creatures, so why not try leaving it a bit longer before sweeping up those leaves or weeding out your wilted annual bulbs?
Revive your back garden
In your own back garden, or small space around the house, growing your own edible plants is the most environmentally friendly way to get your own organic food.
Growing different vegetables and plants in your garden will help recycle nutrients back into the soil, with the added benefit of reconnecting you with where food comes from.
Always remember leaving soil bare is not good for its health, rain can wash away soil nutrients—and even the soil itself, so make sure you keep it covered with plants, edible crops and cover crops.
Grow more of soil saving plants
Another way of saving soil at home is to plant flowers and plants that are beneficial to soil health. There are plenty of species you can plant in your garden or shared outdoor space that will be beneficial to your soil. Some of such plants are:
Clover: Clover improves soil health, attracts beneficial insects like ladybirds – and promotes a healthy lawn. It can fix nitrogen and carbon, which isn’t just good for soil health but also reduces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Legumes: They are a great addition to your vegetable patch. Not only are they delicious, they also have many benefits for the soil. Like clover, legumes are nitrogen and carbon fixing; they root deeply, meaning they draw up nutrients buried deep in the soil for use by other plants. This is great for soil fertility and helps reduce greenhouse gases in the air.
Trees: Trees are always a great option as they hold onto the soil and their deep roots recycle the nutrients, improve drainage, water quality, improve soil structure and sequester carbon and nitrogen.
Even in small spaces, you can grow small varieties or hybrid fruit trees. Besides being soil-saving, they can produce delicious fruit and can be a stunning addition to outdoor spaces.
Plants that pull nitrogen from the air help increase the fertility of soils, while deep-rooting plants stop compaction, promote healthy soil structure, and draw up nutrients deeper in the soil for use by other plants.
Spreading awareness
It is important to spread awareness widely through different modes about soil degradation, what impacts it can have in the coming years and simple ways to save soil. Now, International World Soil Day is observed every December 5.
As a part of his save soil movement, recently Sadhguru encouraged the government to promote agroforestry and allow farmers to grow and sell trees cultivated on private land, which he said will help reduce India’s import dependency for timber and minimize the exploitation of forest resources.
