• About
  • Advertise
  • Our Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Thursday, June 12, 2025
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
MetrowatchXtra
  • WORLD
  • BUSINESS
  • POLITICS
  • HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • OP-ED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • WORLD
  • BUSINESS
  • POLITICS
  • HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • OP-ED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
No Result
View All Result
MetrowatchXtra
No Result
View All Result
Home Science

‘$27.3Bn Lost to Salinity-induced Soil Degradation Annually’

MetrowatchXtra by MetrowatchXtra
December 5, 2021
0 0
0
•Cracked soil

•Cracked soil

By Taiye Agbaje

The Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN) says at least $27.3 billion is lost annually to salinity-induced soil degradation around the world.

The President of SSSN, Prof. Bashiru Raji, represented by his deputy, Prof. Damician Asawalam, said this in Abuja on Sunday at a press briefing organised by the group to mark this year’s World Soil Day (WSD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at its 68th General Assembly in 2013, the United Nations  designated Dec. 5 of every year as WSD following the recommendation by the International Union of Soil Science (IUSS) in 2002.

NAN also reports that the theme for this year’s celebration is “Halt Soil Salinisation, Boost Soil Productivity.”

Raji described soil salinisation as a major land degradation process that reduces soil fertility and promotes desertification processes in dry land areas.

He also described salinity as a situation where salt accumulates  in the root zone of crop plants and adversely affects crop growth and yield.

 “Salinity is a growing problem around the globe, especially in soils of the semi-arid and arid regions.

“Excess salt in the root zone of crops plants disperses soil aggregates, making it difficult for plant roots to extract water and nutrients from the soil,” he added.

“The World Bank estimates that soil salinisation due to inappropriate irrigation practices affects about 60 million ha (hectares) of land.

“Salinisation accounts for 50 per cent of irrigated land in Africa, almost 35% of the agricultural land in Egypt  and and is a growing problem in India, Pakistan, China, and Central Asia.

 “The annual cost in crop production loss due to salinity induced soil degradation is estimated at USD 27.3 billion,” he said.

He said some states like Nasarawa, Kano and  Kebbi among others might experience the problem.

Raji, who called for urgent action against soil salinisation, said SSSN had  joined the rest of the world to also call for conscious actions to limit the expansion of saline soils.

 “With this theme, soil scientists all over the world are calling on governments, organisations, communities and individuals around the world to commit proactively to maintaining healthy ecosystem and improving soil health by conscious actions to limit soil salinisation,” he said.

The  don, who said that human life is organically linked to the soil, stressed that whatever reduces the productive potential of the soil diminishes human welfare.

 “Therefore, soil salinisation must be halted to boost soil productivity,” he said.

He advocated the adoption of sustainable farming systems adapted to saline and sodic environments, while encouragingpeople to avoid unsustainable practices that could lead to soil salinisation.

Raji, who noted that SSSN had celebrated WSD from its inception in 2014, said the society “joins the rest of the global community to celebrate the soil that is our source and sustenance.”

(NAN)

Tags: NigeriaScience SocietySoil Degradation
MetrowatchXtra

MetrowatchXtra

RELATED POST

Yet Another 4th Republic Anniversary, Opinion By Monday Philips Ekpe 
OP-ED

Yet Another 4th Republic Anniversary, Opinion By Monday Philips Ekpe 

by Kemi Sheriepha
May 31, 2025
0

But for former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to move Democracy Day to June 12, May 29 would still have been...

Read moreDetails
Obasanjo Recount How Stella Secured His Release from Prison 

Nigeria Is Sitting On Keg Of Gunpowder, Obasanjo Declares

May 17, 2025
Peter Obi Encourages Nurses to Relocate Abroad if Things are not Working Out for them

Nigeria Should Have No Business With Hunger, Says Peter Obi

May 16, 2025
2023 Presidency: ‘It’s My Turn Actually!’ — Tinubu says in acceptance speech

Examining Reasons for Creation of Regional Development Commissions in Nigeria, By Owaikhena Osikhekha

April 27, 2025
Peter Obi Encourages Nurses to Relocate Abroad if Things are not Working Out for them

Nigeria’s Poverty Rate Supersedes China, Indonesia, Vietnam’s Combined, Peter Obi Says

April 26, 2025
Nigeria Cuts Power Supply to Niger Republic

Nigeria Cuts Power Supply to Niger Republic

April 17, 2025
Load More

APO

Recent Posts

  • It Gives Me Pleasure to Witness You in Disarray, Tinubu Mocks Opposition Parties
  • Tinubu Confers National Honour on Yar’Adua, Kudirat Abiola, Others (See Full List)
  • FULL TEXT : Tinubu’s Address at Joint National Assembly Session on Democracy Day
  • Defections: APC Can’t be Blamed for Bailing People Out of Sinking Ship, Tinubu Says
  • Tinubu Arrives National Assembly for Democracy Day Address

Recommended

‘No Evidence, You Go Explain Tire’, Burna Boy’s Popular Saying Appears in UNIUYO Exam Question | METROWATCH

‘No Evidence, You Go Explain Tire’, Burna Boy’s Popular Saying Appears in UNIUYO Exam Question | METROWATCH

2 years ago
OPINION | The Emerging Judiciary,  By Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan | METROWATCH

Court to Rule on Bail for Rivers Assembly’s Suspected Arsonists | METROWATCH

1 year ago
MetrowatchXtra

MetrowatchXtra is an online daily newspaper poised to act as a catalyst in our debate and desire for well-governed Nigeria and provide the much-needed platform for all, irrespective of social, religious or political divide, to express their views.
Metrowatchxtra Nigeria

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Our Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2024 Metrowatchxtra Nigeria Published by Miraculous Media Connect Limited. All rights reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Politics
  • World
  • Business
  • Science
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Health

© 2024 Metrowatchxtra Nigeria Published by Miraculous Media Connect Limited. All rights reserved