In a groundbreaking move, Canada’s Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry has released a comprehensive report titled “Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada’s Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health.“ This detailed study underscores the indispensable role of soil in mitigating climate change, sustaining biodiversity, and ensuring food security.
The report reveals the critical ecosystem services provided by soil, including water purification, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and serving as a habitat for organisms. Beyond its ecological significance, soil also underpins human infrastructure and cultural heritage. In the words of the committee, “Soil health is human health is One Health,” emphasizing its integral connection to the environment, human well-being, and the economy.
The Challenges Facing Canadian Soil
Despite advances in soil management and crop yield improvements over the decades, the report warns of continued soil degradation and the ongoing loss of agricultural land in every region of Canada. This degradation stems from a combination of factors, including climate change, urbanization, extreme weather events, and outdated perceptions of soil management outcomes.
“Canada cannot afford to wait another 40 years to act,” the report asserts, calling for immediate measures to protect and conserve this vital resource.
Call to Action: Designating Soil as a Strategic National Asset
A central recommendation of the report is the designation of soil as a strategic national asset, akin to steps taken by countries like Australia, which has appointed a national soils advocate. The committee also stresses the need for a cohesive federal soil strategy—a glaring gap that must be addressed to safeguard agricultural and forestry soils across Canada.
The lack of comprehensive data on soil health is another pressing concern. The report calls for federal leadership to collaborate with provinces, territories, Indigenous governments, academia, and producers to develop a robust system for collecting and analyzing soil productivity data.
Regional Focus and Unique Challenges
Acknowledging Canada’s diverse soil types and climates, the report argues against a one-size-fits-all approach to soil health. Northern Canada’s melting permafrost, for example, poses unique challenges, including the potential release of vast carbon reserves. To address these risks, the committee advocates for the creation of a national permafrost assessment centre.
The issue of soil contamination is also highlighted, with a call for a national strategy to remediate polluted soils across the country.
Soil-Based Incentives and Community Collaboration
The report underscores the importance of soil-based incentives, such as tax credits for farmers, enhanced crop insurance, and a viable carbon market. Sustained funding for soil research initiatives, peer-to-peer networks, and extension services are also identified as critical for fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing among producers.
To ensure soil conservation aligns with urban development, the committee recommends integrated land-use planning at all levels of government. Education also plays a key role, with suggestions to incorporate soil science into school curricula to raise awareness of soil’s economic, environmental, and social importance.
A Collaborative Future
The committee envisions a collaborative approach to soil policy, uniting federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous governments. The aim is to prioritize the economic prosperity of agricultural and forestry producers while addressing soil health challenges.
The report is a clarion call for immediate action to protect Canada’s soils. As the committee aptly states, “We do not have another 40 years to act.” With its recommendations, Critical Ground sets a path forward to ensure that soil remains a foundation for Canada’s prosperity, sustainability, and resilience.
Source: Canadian Senate. Read the full report and view its recommendations here
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