What Does “Soil Is Valuable” Mean? Institutional Design and Ethics for Sustainable Use of Soil Resources

Abstract

This paper is intended to be a practical and ethical recommendation to policies surrounding soil and agriculture. It addresses how soil resources are in the process of transitioning from the base for food production to the base for ecosystem services in the past roughly 30 years. The World Soil Charter adopted by FAO (Food and Agriculture organization) in 1982. It was amended, for the first time during 34 years, in the International Year of Soils 2015. In the previous edition, policies on food production were emphasized; however, in the new version, they have been relatively faded while importance has been placed on the preservation of several sorts of ecosystem services and soil conservation based on regional characteristics. Japanese soil degradation is not at a serious level. However under sectionalism, it is hard to say that soil resources are being used wisely. Since the Meiji era, it can be seen that Japanese soil management continues to transition towards the use value of not only food supply but also the carbon adsorption of soil, among other things. Since the 1970s, agricultural ethics state agriculture is expected to go beyond thinking only about food supply by pursuing a better life in the region. In summary, wise use of soil resources in Japan can play a variety of functions that do not belong to food supply. Though it is not so clearly determined, the position of soil resources need to be determined. Furthermore, the use of new soil needs to be discovered based on regional conditions. Currently needed is the mitigation of sectionalism, the enactment of the Basic Act to promote development, human resource development of data collection, and information systems for the “wise use” of soil. Even though soil is essential and limited natural resources for us, we were not aware of it comparing to forests and water. Therefore, inventory updates and human resource development has not been fully realized. It is hoped that this paper will contribute to a better understanding of a new relationship between people and soil.