Experts have called on the federal government to mandate the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) to monitor all activities regarding soil studies, soil use and other non-agricultural manipulations which negatively impact the soils where food begins.
This was part of the outcome of the 2022 World Soil Day, held in Abuja to brainstorm on the way forward to achieve sustainable soil management.
Speaking at the dialogue, NISS vice president and chairman governing council, Prof Geoffrey Nwaka, said there was an urgent demand for a detailed knowledge of soils, insisting that the period of blanket approach was over.
He said that NISS should be mandated to collaborate with governmental or non-governmental in the area of soil resources exploitation.
“May I recommend that in order to understand the characteristics, limitations, capability and suitability of our soils for food production, there is an urgent demand for a detailed knowledge of our soils. The period of blanket approach is over.
Also speaking Minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar assured of the federal government support and partnership to take care of soil.
“The theme of the year seeks to raise awareness that soil nutrient loss is a major soil degradation process threatening plant nutrition and is regarded as one of the most important problems at a global level militating against sustainable and profitable food production, its availability and security.”
The president, Soil Science Society of Nigeria Prof Jibril Mohammad noted that lack of proper mapping of soils, good facilities laboratories and awareness about soil health and fertilizer conditions are hampering effective management of soil.
