64% of Mexico’s Soil Degraded—How to Help Fix It

Mexico City — On the occasion of Soil Conservation Day, observed annually on July 7, experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have issued a stark warning: more than 64% of Mexico’s soil is degraded or contaminated, posing severe risks to food security, water access, and biodiversity.

Extent of Soil Degradation

According to researchers from UNAM’s Institute of Geography, chemical degradation affects 17.8% of the country’s land, making it the most widespread issue. This is followed by water erosion (11.9%), wind erosion (9.5%), and physical degradation (5.7%). The primary drivers of this crisis include intensive agriculture, extensive livestock farming, and the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and unsustainable land management practices.

Soil, often perceived as inert, is in fact a living ecosystem critical for sustaining crops, forests, groundwater, and climate regulation. Its deterioration threatens Mexico’s environmental and food systems.

Community-Led Solutions

In response, grassroots initiatives like Saber Nutrir, a social responsibility program by Grupo Herdez, are promoting sustainable alternatives. The program supports small communities by converting organic waste into compost, enriching local gardens, and reducing landfill dependence. Additional efforts include seed banks, community kitchens, eco-friendly stoves, and grain storage silos.

One innovative solution highlighted is the use of biodigester toilets, which separate solid and liquid waste, producing biol—a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. These systems prevent groundwater contamination while providing sustainable soil enrichment.

How Individuals Can Help

Experts recommend five actionable steps to mitigate soil degradation at home:

1. Avoid household chemicals that seep into the soil.
2. Compost organic waste like fruit peels and coffee grounds.
3. Plant gardens or potted plants to prevent erosion.
4. Dispose of cooking oil properly—one liter can contaminate thousands of liters of water.
5. Reduce food waste to lessen pressure on agricultural land.

Alignment with Global Goals

Saber Nutrir aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

The program operates in the State of Mexico, San Luis Potosí, and Yucatán, with participation from brands like Doña María, Herdez, McCormick, Yemina, and Del Fuerte.

The urgency of soil conservation underscores its role as a foundational resource for Mexico’s ecological and economic future.