Nov 25, 2019

California to celebrate Healthy Soils Week

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recently launched a webpage to promote the week-long Healthy Soils Week, December 2-6, 2019.

CDFA, partner agencies and non-governmental groups have joined forces to promote awareness about the importance of soil health to fight climate change, enhance food security and conserve California’s natural resources.

The website provides details about the following daily events:

• Monday, December 2: Ribbon cutting to unveil large display panels near the Governor’s Office.
• Tuesday, December 3: A legislative briefing plus an informational session with the State Board of Food and Agriculture.
• Wednesday, December 4: A regional workshop, “Building our Food Resilient System,” in Santa Barbara. Also, CalRecyclewill deliver fruit grown in a composted grove to state legislators.
• Thursday, December 5: World Soil Dayas well as a tour for legislative staff and partner agencies that will include farms that employ healthy soils practices and a local compost facility.
• Friday, December 6: An event, “Rebuilding Urban Soil with Three Sisters Gardens” in West Sacramento.

Healthy soil the foundation of sustainable food, water, air and biodiversity, according to CDFA, restoring and preserving healthy soil results in:

• Improved plant health and yields
• Increased water infiltration and retention
• Sequestered carbon and reduced greenhouse gases (GHGs)
• Reduced sediment erosion and dust
• Improved water and air quality
• Improved biological diversity and wildlife habitat