Strengthen Soil Literacy and Practical Youth Education for Soil Health

Across the World, youth soil stewardship is weakened by limited soil literacy, scarce opportunities for hands-on learning, and low public awareness. Many young people are not exposed to the importance of soil health, or to basic practices that improve soil health, such as composting and mulching. Without foundational education, exposure and opportunities to learn by doing, communities are less likely to adopt soil health practices in the long-term.

Improving knowledge and awareness at young ages and in community settings is key to establishing a foundation of awareness on sustainable soil practices and making soil a visible priority for an individual’s lifetime to come. Indeed, many youth are unaware of the potential professional opportunities that can be rooted in soil, and so do not explore it as a long-term option, or integrate soil health into their long-term planning. They similarly may not receive opportunities to try out or engage in healthy soil practices, and so are unaware of what it means to engage with soil.

Enhancing practical soil health education within communities and across age groups (from children to adults) can help embed soil health in community priorities and futures.