
Dr T Esther Longkumer
Chief Technical Officer-Soil Science, KVK Phek, ICAR-NRC on Mithun
Soil biodiversity and plant variety protection are two interconnected aspects of sustainable agriculture. Soil biodiversity refers to the complex community of living organisms, including microorganisms, insects, and invertebrates, that inhabit the soil and are crucial for maintaining its health, fertility, and ecological integrity. Whereas, plant variety protection focuses on conserving and managing a wide range of plant species and varieties to ensure their long-term availability.
IMPORTANCE OF SOIL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: Soil biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem services, including:
• Soil Formation and Fertility: Soil organisms help break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and create a favorable environment for plant growth.
• Climate Regulation: Soil organisms play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change.
• Water Cycling: Soil organisms help regulate water infiltration, retention, and release.
• Pest and Disease Control: Soil organisms can act as natural pest control agents, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
IMPORTANCE OF PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION: Plant variety protection is critical for:
• Food Security: Conserving diverse plant species and varieties ensures a stable food supply and reduces reliance on a limited number of crops.
• Climate Change Resilience: Diverse plant varieties can provide resilience to climate change by offering alternative crops and varieties that can thrive in changing environmental conditions.
• Economic Benefits: Plant variety protection can provide economic benefits to farmers and communities by promoting the development of new crop varieties and value chains.
THREATS TO SOIL BIODIVERSITY AND PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION: Both soil biodiversity and plant variety protection face numerous threats, including:
Intensive Agriculture: Monoculture farming practices, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and soil tillage can lead to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can alter soil ecosystems and reduce plant diversity.
Urbanization and Land Conversion: The expansion of urban areas and the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land can lead to soil degradation and loss of plant diversity.
STRATEGIES FOR SOIL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION: To overcome these challenges, a range of strategies can be implemented, such as:
Agro ecology: Promoting agro ecological practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
Conservation Agriculture: Implementing conservation agriculture practices that reduce soil disturbance, promote soil cover, and enhance biodiversity.
Crop Diversification: Encouraging crop diversification and the use of diverse plant varieties to promote resilience and adaptability.
Soil Conservation: Implementing soil conservation measures, such as contour farming and terracing, to reduce soil erosion and promote soil health.
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing policy and regulatory frameworks that support soil biodiversity conservation and plant variety protection.
Soil biodiversity conservation and plant variety protection are essential for maintaining ecosystem services, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring food security. By adopting agro ecological practices, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, soil conservation, and policy and regulatory frameworks, we can protect soil biodiversity and plant varieties, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system.