On November 17, the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) represented the SOILGUARD project at the Southeast Asia Conference on Food Security and Sustainability (SEACFOSS 2024).
During the conference, Dr. Rochana Tangkoonboribun, Director of the Expert Center of Innovative Agriculture at TISTR, presented the SOILGUARD project, emphasizing its mission to promote sustainable soil management and leverage soil biodiversity to address environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Dr. Tangkoonboribun highlighted the critical findings of SOILGUARD that will contribute to the development of a new soil monitoring and resilience law. These insights aim to support policy frameworks that ensure sustainable soil use and biodiversity conservation.The presentation also showcased the geo-analytical parameters used to evaluate soil health, including indicators that help monitor biodiversity and soil functionality in different contexts. The study included 29 soil samples, with 14 results from organic fields and 15 from conventional fields. The data revealed significant differences between the two farming systems, offering valuable insights into the impact of agricultural practices on soil biodiversity and health.
Key Conclusions
- Enhanced Soil Species Distribution in Organic Farming
The data demonstrated a higher distribution of soil species in organic farming compared to conventional methods, underscoring the benefits of sustainable agricultural practices. - Economic and Socio-Cultural Value of Soil Biodiversity
Findings confirmed that data on soil biodiversity can provide valuable insights into soil-mediated contributions to nature, benefiting both local communities and policymakers. - Towards a Sustainable Soil Management Law
The SOILGUARD project aims to support the creation of regulations or laws promoting sustainable soil biodiversity management, marking a significant step forward in environmental conservation efforts.
The participation at SEACFOSS 2024 highlights SOILGUARD’s role in shaping a global conversation around soil health and sustainability. By connecting scientific research with actionable policies, the project continues to drive progress toward a more sustainable agricultural future.
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