What Actions Should Be Taken to Protect the Soil? Insights from the Academic Community - LiLac activity

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As part of the ProLand LiLac programme at Poznań University of Life Sciences, students conducted a survey among the academic community, including both local and international students. The aim was to explore how soil protection is perceived and what actions are considered most important for its preservation.

The responses reveal a clear and consistent understanding that soil protection requires a multidimensional approach, combining sustainable agricultural practices, environmental awareness, responsible resource management, and effective policy support. Participants not only identified key areas of action but also provided practical examples and reasoning behind their choices.

The table below summarizes the main conclusions of the survey, presenting the most frequently indicated actions, along with concrete examples and their underlying rationale.

Main action

Examples

Why?

 

 

Promote Sustainable Agriculture

 

 

  • Crop rotation
  • Reduced or no-till farming
  • Organic fertilizers and compost
  • Avoiding monocultures

 

 

These methods aim to preserve soil fertility and reduce degradation.

 

Control Soil Erosion

 

  • Planting trees (afforestation)
  • Maintaining ground cover with plants or mulch
  • Using contour farming and terracing

 

These practices prevent topsoil loss and desertification.

 

Limit Chemical Use & Pollution

 

  • Reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides
  • Managing industrial/agricultural waste
  • Avoiding plastic and oil spills

 

To maintain soil health and biodiversity.

 

Increase Environmental Awareness

 

  • Educate farmers and the public
  • Encourage eco-conscious habits (recycling, reducing consumption)
  • Foster community engagement

 

Education was viewed as a foundation for sustainable change.

 

Enhance Water & Land Management

 

  • Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting
  • Preventing farming next to rivers
  • Protecting wetlands
     

 

Water and land protection were seen as interlinked with soil health.

 

 

Call for Stronger Policy & Local Action

 

  • Consistent agricultural regulations
  • Government support for sustainable methods
  • Local inspections and environmental zoning
     

 

Systemic changes are seen as crucial for long-term protection.