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Rabat – The health of our planet’s soil is under increasing pressure from climate change, intensive farming practices, and deforestation. But a new international symposium in Morocco is bringing a much-needed boost to research and collaboration in the fight for sustainable agriculture.
The 9th International Symposium on Soil Organic Matter (SOM2024) is currently underway at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, marking the first time the event has been held on the African continent.
This shift in location is not merely symbolic. Africa plays a critical role in global food security, with vast agricultural lands and a rapidly growing population.
However, the continent also faces unique challenges when it comes to soil health. Decades of drought, overgrazing, and inadequate land management practices have contributed to soil degradation, a major threat to agricultural productivity.
According to a press release, SOM2024 aims to address these issues by showcasing the expertise of African researchers in agriculture, environmental science, and soil science.
The symposium provides them with a platform to share their knowledge and findings with leading international experts, fostering cross-continental collaboration and accelerating progress in understanding soil organic matter.
But the significance of SOM2024 goes beyond knowledge sharing. It’s about highlighting Africa’s contributions to finding solutions for global problems like soil degradation and climate change.
The 9th International Symposium on Soil Organic Matter (SOM2024)
Healthy soil acts as a natural carbon sink, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on innovative methods to improve soil organic matter content, African researchers can play a pivotal role in combating climate change on a global scale.
Read also: UM6P’s ARBOIS Round Tables: Cultivating a Sustainable Future Through Soil Advocacy
The symposium isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about fostering collaboration, noted the press statement. UM6P, which prioritizes research on soil organic matter, sees SOM2024 as a springboard for international partnerships, it added.
“By hosting this event, UM6P is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable solutions,” said Hicham El Habti, the university’s president. “We want to support scientific initiatives that improve soil health and combat climate change. SOM2024 strengthens our position as a global leader in research for sustainable development.”
The focus on Africa extends beyond location. Researchers like Ngonidzashe Chirinda and Joann Whalen, from UM6P’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, believe the symposium offers a “unique opportunity” to highlight Africa’s role in tackling global environmental challenges.
They hope SOM2024 will spark significant advancements in soil organic matter research, paving the way for a more sustainable future for agriculture and the planet.
The success of SOM2024 could lead to the development of new agricultural practices, improved land management strategies, and innovative technologies that benefit Africa and the world.
