Vietnam's Soil Degradation Crisis: The Hidden Threat to Fertility

Vietnam is facing a severe soil degradation crisis, with 11.8 million hectares, approximately one-third of its natural land area, affected. Agricultural land is particularly hard-hit, with about 5 million hectares, nearly 40% of the total agricultural land, suffering from degradation, raising concerns about maintaining agricultural productivity. Traditionally, Vietnamese farmers have relied on observing the sky to predict weather and determine planting and harvesting times. However, the world beneath their feet – the soil – has received less attention. Soil is not merely a mixture of minerals and organic matter; it is a living entity teeming with trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. These microorganisms play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter and transforming it into nutrients that plants can easily absorb. Therefore, nurturing the soil is fundamental to growing healthy crops. While modern agriculture has significantly boosted productivity, there has been a growing tendency to extract only harvested crops from fields, reducing the organic matter returned to the soil. Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides diminishes soil organic content, inhibits microbial activity, and disrupts soil structure. Consequently, the soil becomes compacted, losing its water-holding and nutrient-retaining capacities. Crops become increasingly dependent on external nutrients, requiring more fertilizer to achieve the same yield. This is akin to making continuous withdrawals from an account without deposits, inevitably leading to depletion. This soil degradation is not just an agricultural issue; it directly impacts food security, environmental conservation, and the livelihoods of the people. As the concept of 'regenerative agriculture' gains traction globally, Vietnam is compelled to transition towards a more sustainable farming system that prioritizes soil health and ecosystem diversity over mere crop yields. Mr. Le Minh Hoan, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, aptly stated, "If the soil could speak, it might tell farmers, 'I'm hungry too.'" This remark highlights the critical importance of unseen soil health. Sustainable outcomes, he suggests, stem from quiet, diligent efforts, a lesson applicable not only to agriculture but to life in general. Source: VnExpress