In the framework of World Soil Day (WSD) 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) are launching a scientific children's book contest on soils for nutrition with the motto "Soils: Where food begins".

By inviting soil scientists, research institutions, colleges/universities, designers, artists, and creative people from all countries to team up, the contest intends to raise awareness and inform future global citizens about soil issues. The purpose of this competition is to engage and encourage children's interest in soil and give them the opportunity to understand the impact of soil nutrient imbalance and loss of soil fertility while stimulating educational activities, engagement and participation of children and schools in soil science.

We believe that educating children about the malnutrition, health, and environmental consequences of soil nutrient imbalances, as well as how to address them, is part of the solution to food insecurity. In short, informed children can become the best allies for soil health!

About the contest

How does soil affect nutrition? Healthy soils provide the essential nutrients, water, oxygen and root support that our food-producing plants need to grow and thrive. But soil fertility loss and nutrient imbalances may lead to soil´s capacity loss to produce nutritious and safe food. Nutrient-deficient soils produce nutrient-deficient plants, ultimately causing people to suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Soils with excess nutrients can be a toxic environment for plants and animals and contribute to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet. Sustainable soil management, the judicious use of fertilizers, the use and promotion of crop and soil biodiversity, good advice for farmers, and the recycling of nutrients are some examples of strategies to bring back nutrients to soils.