Institute Seeks Federal Govt’s Mandate To Monitor Manipulations Against Soil Fertility

The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has sought for a mandate by the federal government to monitor all activities regarding soil studies, soil use and other non-agricultural manipulations which negatively impact the soils.

The institute also urged Nigerians to stick to experts’ recommendation, conclusions and look inward to contribute positively towards the sustainable management of the soils.

This came as experts gathered in Abuja yesterday to marked the 2022 World Soil Day and brainstorm on the way forward to achieve a sustainable management of the soil with the theme, “Soils, Where Food Begins”.

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.

Minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has assured of the federal government support and partnership to take care of soil.

Speaking at the dialogue, NISS vice president and chairman governing council, Prof Geoffrey Nwaka said that there was an urgent demand for a detailed knowledge of our soils, adding that the period of blanket approach was over.

He said that NISS should be mandated to collaborate with all organizations both governmental or non-governmental in the area of soil resources exploitation.

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 fertiliser conditions are hampering effective management of soil.