In an era characterized by extreme climatic climatic events, floods and increasingly frequent drought, it is easy to point the finger on climate change. But there is a silent enemy, less visible but deeply connected to the environmental crisis that we experience: the relegation of the ground
Arida Land, Lost Water: Save Sail’s Report
Often underestimated, the deterioration of our country is – literally – the basis of our water and food safety eroding. Save Soil’s report underlines how the Italian water crisis is connected to the demolition of the soil.
In recent decades, the intensive use of the soil, the deforestationcement, aggressive agricultural practices and the Loss of microbial biodiversity They have transformed millions of hectares of fertile land into sterile expansions, unable to support life or retain water.
In Italy, this process has more and more tangible consequences: according to the most recent data, between 2023 and thirty years on average, the availability of water has decreased by 16%. An alarming figure who photographs a particularly critical reality in the south of the country. In regions such as Sicily, from Espel, where drought is hard for agriculture and brings the water supply into crisis.
The launched alarm is the international movement Save soil who published a detailed report on Connections between soil breakdown E water crisis. The most disturbing figure is that 61% of European soils is currently considered unhealthy, a signal that goes much further than Italian borders and tells us about structural vulnerability on a continental scale.
When the soil falls ill, the water disappears
But what is the connection between the demolition of the soil and the scarcity of water in concrete terms? A healthy soil, rich in organic substance, is like a sponge: it absorbs rainwater, it holds it and brings it slowly, nourishing aquifers and waterways, naturally staging crops.
When the soil is broken down – for excessive processing, the use of pesticides, loss of organic material – loses this vital capacity.
The water, instead of infiltrating, flows away on the surface, contributes to floods and leaves the soil dry and unproductive. This vicious circle worsens the effects of drought and reduces agricultural yields, forcing entire areas to ration.
Second Praveena SridharTechnical manager of the movement Save the ground” “Giving priority to the health of the soil is of fundamental importance for the management of Italian water resources, to adapt to climate change and to guarantee food production. We urge the national government to offer further support to farmers to increase the organic substance of the soil. This would guarantee water and food safety for future generations.”
Regenerate soils to regenerate the future
The good news is that the land can heal. And he can do it quickly if the care he deserves is returned. Save Soil’s report underlines how sustainable agricultural practices – such as composting, rotation of crops, vegetable coverage and reduction of mechanical processing – can reconstruct the structure of the soil and increase organic material, able to retain its weight in the water to ten times.
This is not only an ecological struggle, but a strategy for long -term resilience. Taking on the health of the soil today means protecting water supply, preventing famine and reducing climatic disasters of the future.
It is a responsibility that concerns everyone, not just farmers or political decision makers. It consciously means choosing, supporting regenerative agriculture, defending Urban Green and actively participating in the protection of our natural heritage.