Biodiversity is fundamental in the soil

Soil Biodiversity: The Living Foundation of Sustainable Agriculture

Aware that “biodiversity is fundamental in the soil”, BIOSANI carries out its activity with the purpose of promoting the increase of the diversity of living beings that inhabit and depend on the soil. These organisms are essential for the health and fertility of agricultural ecosystems, for crop productivity and for the food security of populations.

Soil biodiversity includes:

• Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes;
• Invertebrates such as mites, insects and earthworms;
• Organisms “attached to the soil” such as plants, lichens and animals that interact directly or indirectly with the edaphic matrix.

Vital functions of soil biodiversity

The biological diversity of the soil performs multiple crucial functions for the sustainability of agroecosystems:

• Transformation of organic matter into humus, increasing water retention and nutrient availability;
• Participation in the biogeochemical cycles of essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur;
• Provision of ecosystem services such as pollination, biological control, water and air purification, and climate regulation;
• Contribution to the structural stability of the soil, preventing erosion and compaction;
• Preservation of the genetic diversity of cultivated plants, providing resources for plant breeding.

Threats to soil biodiversity

Soil biodiversity faces several constraints, many of which result directly from agricultural practices:

• Loss and degradation of natural habitats through agricultural expansion, deforestation, urbanisation and climate change;
• Excessive use of agrochemicals that affect beneficial organisms;
• Simplification of agricultural systems through monocultures;
• Introduction of exotic species that are invasive and compete with or prey on native organisms.

Paths to preservation: recommended practices

To address these challenges, BIOSANI advocates the adoption of agricultural practices that respect and promote soil biodiversity, without compromising productive viability:

• Agroecology: a system based on ecology, solidarity economy and social justice, which promotes diversification, sustainable management and the valorisation of local knowledge;
• Conservation agriculture: minimum tillage of the soil, permanent vegetation cover and diversified crop rotation;
• Integrated production: balanced management of production factors with specific technical regulations and independent certification;
• Organic farming: a regulated mode of production that excludes synthetic agrochemicals and GMOs, respecting the natural cycles of the ecosystem;
• Family farming: traditional management of the land that values local varieties and agroforestry systems, promoting the active conservation of biodiversity.

Education and awareness: a collective commitment

The preservation of soil biodiversity is a central theme for global sustainability and the well-being of populations. This natural and cultural heritage must be protected and used responsibly. For this, it is essential to:

• Educate producers and consumers;
• Involve government officials and political decision-makers;
• Promote society's awareness of the importance of soil biodiversity.

Note: This text represents the vision of BIOSANI and the rationale behind its practices and services. It does not intend to be exhaustive, but rather to reflect the truth in which we believe and which we promote among our partners and clients.