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A day to recognize and acknowledge the vital role soil plays in sustaining life and promoting ecosystem health. Read on to know more about World Soil Day
How Medicinal Plants Improve Soil Health and Fight Climate Change
Medicinal plants do more than heal our bodies—they play a key role in keeping our soil healthy and fighting climate change. On World Soil Day, let’s take a closer look at how these incredible plants contribute to better soil and a greener planet.
Medicinal Plants and Carbon Storage
Medicinal plants like Terminalia bellirica (Baheda) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) capture carbon dioxide from the air and store it in their roots and leaves. This process helps reduce greenhouse gases while also improving the soil’s organic content, making it richer and more fertile.
Boosting Soil Health Naturally
Medicinal plants help recycle nutrients in the soil. For example:
Helping the Soil Hold Water
Plants like Aloe vera and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) improve how the soil absorbs and holds water. This helps prevent water from running off and keeps the ground moist, even during dry seasons—a lifesaver in drought-prone areas.
Protecting Soil from Erosion
Medicinal plants’ roots hold the soil together, protecting it from being washed or blown away. For instance:
Food Forests: A Win-Win for Soil and People
Food forests with medicinal plants mimic natural ecosystems. They include:
These forests not only protect the soil but also provide food, medicine, and clean water—supporting both nature and communities.
Simple Steps for Better Soil
Incorporating medicinal plants into farming and gardening can make a huge difference.
Here’s how:
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The use of medicinal plants in soil health directly contributes to several SDGs:
Let’s Act Now
Medicinal plants are nature’s gift to us and our soils. By integrating them into our farming and conservation practices, we can restore soil health, fight climate change, and create a sustainable future. On this World Soil Day, let’s celebrate these unsung heroes and make them part of our everyday lives!
Author - Dr. Tabassum