By Gosego Phutieagae
Healthy soil produces strong plants, purifies water, prevents flooding and captures carbon dioxide. Depleted soil, on the other hand, has dire consequences for biodiversity, food security and climate resilience.
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is leading the conversation on what needs to be done to ensure sustainable soil management and food security.
The School of Agricultural Sciences’ Crop Sciences subject group recently hosted its first two-day Soil Science Symposium to raise awareness about the importance of soil health and strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and farming communities.
The event, organised by postgraduate Soil Science students and staff members Dr Bonga Vilakazi and Sibongile Xaba, offered students a platform to share their research and engage directly with agricultural experts.
Under the theme “Soil is not Dirty, but the Basic of Life”, the symposium brought internal and external soil expertise under one roof.
Prof Paramu Mafongoya from the University of KwaZulu Natal emphasised the importance of soil security and how quality soil can curb food insecurity.
Prof Wayne Truter from the University of the Free State’s Green Futures Hub discussed the physical, chemical and biological aspects of soil, emphasising the role of microbiology and carbon in sustaining soil health. He emphasised the need to adopt organic materials and biochar to enhance soil structure and nutrient content.
Prof Rodney Medupe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, stressed that partnerships among universities, farmers and businesses are critical for developing innovative agricultural solutions. “Collaboration drives change. When researchers, farmers and industry leaders share knowledge, we move closer to achieving food security and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Adding to the discussion, Dr Lindo Myeni, a senior lecturer at the NWU who specialises in climate-smart agriculture, reflected on the urgency of climate adaptation in soil management. “If you don’t want to change, you will perish under this climate,” he said, explaining that shifts in climate directly influence soil productivity.
He also highlighted the use of geographic information system tools and conservation agriculture as strategies to improve soil performance.
Participating students also shared their presentations. Among these were Kegomoditswe Mokgofa unpacked carbon sequestration, and Sphephelo Nxumalo spoke about pests and disease control. Kgomotso Boikanyo shared insights on mine rehabilitation, and Donald Motene and Sibonile Xaba emphasised the importance of sustainable agriculture.
Speakers also focused on sustainable soil management practices such as conservation tillage, crop rotation and cover cropping for improving soil fertility and maintaining ecological balance.
The discussions highlighted soil's role in human well-being, providing nutritious meals, and sustaining life, the event emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to soil management, including applied research, farmer-led trials, and extension interfaces.
The symposium ended with a collective call to action for research-driven, farmer-supported initiatives that promote regenerative agriculture and sustainable soil stewardship.
Postgraduate Soil Science students shared their presentations during the Soil Science Symposium.
