FAO.org
Welcome to the FAO Soils portal
This portal is designed as a source of soil information and knowledge on the different components and aspects of soils and the value and importance of this vital and finite resource for policy makers, development planners, soil scientists, agricultural extension officers, students and other practitioners.
Healthy soils lay at the foundations of agricultural development, healthy and nutritious food production, and essential ecosystem services, which are crucial to our basic survival as well as our planet’s sustainable future. [...]
Global Symposium on Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is a major and growing driver of land degradation worldwide
The Symposium will be held in Aarhus, Denmark from 21–23 September 2026 and participation is free of charge.
World Soil Day
The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed it in June 2013
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil.
Global Symposium on Soil Information and Data
September 25‑28, 2024 | Nanjing, China
This symposium serves as an international forum for policymakers, researchers and practitioners.
Latest publication
Technical guidelines on soils for nutrition
Guidelines outlining the role that soil health plays in the nutritional quality of food.
Global Soil Partnership
Promote sustainable soil management.
The Partnership works to improve soil governance to guarantee productive soils.
Upcoming Events
International soil events
Do not miss any of the international events on soils happening around the globe.
Soil legacy maps
1228 maps available
FAO has made Soil Legacy data and information available to users.
Collection of soil legacy reports
Technical assistance to member countries
Hundreds of soil survey field projects have been carried out since the 1950s.
Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils
Scientific advice on global soil issues
The ITPS advises the Global Soil Partnership and FAO.
International Year of Soils
Declared by the UN in 2015
Increase awareness of the importance of soil for food security.
FAO soil publications
Contact
Contact our soil experts
The Global Soil Partnership Secretariat coordinates implementation of GSP actions.