Conclusion
Mexico
In Xochimilco, Mexico, farmers witnessed a gradual degradation of soils. When soils are irrigated with wastewater, it means an accumulation of salts in the soil and a deterioration of soil structure. This results in unproductive land and hurts livelihoods.
Macrina and Lourdes Dehesa partook in the Global Soil Doctors program to understand these underlying problems. With the hands-on experience in the field accompanied by soil educational kits, Macrina and Lourdes trained 45 farmers to identify soil salinity, caused by the use of urban waste water. Twenty-four of the trained farmers have implemented the soil salinity management practices defined during the Soil Doctors´ working sessions in Xochimilco. These practices, such as filtering urban water before irrigation, regulating soil moisture and applying compost manure, have improved the pH of the soil, leading to better crop growth.
Now these farmers can produce more vegetables, herbal infusions and corn which they sell to tourists thus boosting their livelihoods. With more than 800 soil doctors trained and continued support from the government, the program is now being spread throughout the country.
Togo
In Togo, there has long been an unsustainable method of farming which involves burning and clearing forest areas to plant crops continuously, eventually leading to low soil productivity overtime and high land degradation rates. This is not only harmful to the environment but also affects soil organic carbon, which plays a crucial role in the soils’ ability to sustain plant growth.
When he entered the Global Soil Doctors Program, Anaming Essoyéké and other farmers in his community in Togo learned to assess their soils and put in place better soil management. Soil experts from the program taught them to preserve soil organic matter.
Performing root observation and assessing soil texture is another important method for farmers to observe their soil structure, nutrient availability and soil water retention. These sustainable practices allow soils to be productive for longer, and farmers no longer have to resort to burning forests.
Around the globe, the Global Soil Doctors Program is active in 21 countries, and there are currently 1 832 soil doctors and counting. These doctors have reached an additional, estimated 11 545 farmers, empowering them to save soils and employ sustainable farming methods.
By disseminating the know-how to address soil threats and sustain farmlands, this program is healing soils, one doctor at a time.