Solos e sociedade: popularização do conhecimento para manejo adequado do solo

Abstract

Soil is an essential natural resource for the maintenance of the terrestrial ecosystem, it is a complex and heterogeneous environment, nonrenewable, and without it there would be no life. According to FAO, healthy soils are at the heart of family agriculture, food production and the fight against hunger, and they play a role as reservoirs of biodiversity. However, despite these factors, the soil is not included in the debates related to these themes. Thus, this study aimed to popularize knowledge about the importance of soil and its conservation among elementary school students, pre-college students, rural producers and society as a whole. The actions were structured in four axes: 1) Carrying out workshops at the school with elementary school students; 2) Carrying out a wheel of exchange of knowledge with rural producers; 3) Receipt of visits at UFRB, elementary schools and students of a pre-university entrance exam, in order to discuss issues related to soil; 4) Preparation of didactic material on soil use and conservation. This paper has fulfilled the call of the Brasilia Charter, which calls for effective actions related to soil conservation and contemplated part of the set of structural measures proposed by the Soil Governance Conference. The present study presented as a relevant tool in promoting the popularization of soil science, students and rural producers, sensitized themselves to issues related to soil degradation, and raised awareness of the importance of soil for the survival of all life forms of the planet. In this way, the activities developed within the scope of the Soil in School Project - UFRB have proved to be a strong ally in the development of environmental education and in promoting the use and proper management of the soil.