"Although most farmers nowadays use modern intensive agriculture, terrace farming has been around for thousands of years," Lionel Mabit said. "We know that this traditional method can reduce strain on soil and limit its redistribution. What this project set out to determine is exactly how well it does that in Madagascar."

Their studies showed that traditional terracing systems significantly limited the loss of soil and reduced erosion by 40%, which means around three tonnes of soil are retained per hectare every year. Farmers in Madagascar are using the results of this study to develop sustainable soil conservation practices and better care for their fields, which ultimately allows them to grow more food.

"The results of this study should encourage farmers in Madagascar to revert to using traditional terracing systems to better conserve their soil," Lionel Mabit said.

A worldwide issue

Madagascar is one example of how countries are increasingly using nuclear science to help them deal with soil degradation and loss a major global problem remembered today through World Soil Day.

World Soil Day sets out to raise awareness of the important role of soil for all people. Soil is vital to food production, water supplies and climate regulation; though each year as much as 75 billion tonnes of fertile soil are lost globally due to soil degradation. This poses a major threat to the food security and livelihoods of billions of people worldwide.

The pressure on soil continues to increase as populations grow and along with it the demand for food and land. To help countries deal with this concern, the IAEA, in cooperation with the FAO, supports them in using nuclear science and technology to study and develop strategies to sustainably conserve and protect soil resources.