Global Soil Conference (GSC) 2024
■ Global Soil Conference (GSC) 2024 was held in New Delhi, highlighting the importance of soil health for food security, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem services.
■ The GSC 2024, organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).
■ Theme: Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate change mitigation & Ecosystem Services.
Around 30% of India’s soil is reportedly compromised due to erosion, salinity, pollution, and loss of organic carbon.
■ The conference underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling soil erosion, which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) of the United Nations.
Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS)
■ The ISSS was established in 1934, in Calcutta under the Societies Registration Act xxi of 1860.
■ The Society organizes seminars, and conferences to promote soil science knowledge.
General Soil Profile :
■ O Horizon (Organic Layer): Contains undecomposed organic matter like leaves, twigs, and moss.
■ A Horizon (Topsoil): Rich in organic matter and minerals, supports plant growth, soft and porous.
■ E Horizon (Eluviated Layer): A lighter, nutrient-depleted layer due to leaching (removal of minerals by water).
■ B Horizon (Subsoil): Accumulates leached minerals from upper layers; contains iron, clay, and organic compounds.
■ C Horizon (Parent Rock): Made up of broken bedrock or saprolite, with little organic matter.
■ R Horizon (Bedrock): Unweathered bedrock at the base of the soil profile.