News

The Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, marked World Soil Day 2025 with awareness walk and Seminar aimed at highlighting the significance of soil health for sustainable urban development. Organized under the global theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” the event sought to promote understanding of soil’s role in ensuring food security, environmental protection and resilient urban systems.
The event brought together scientists from various organizations, representatives of Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), agricultural extension officials, faculty members and students. Their participation underscored the collective commitment to improving soil management practices and addressing the urban challenges associated with soil degradation.
The walk was led by Prof. Dr. Ijaz Rasool Norka, Principal Collage of Agriculture along with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman of the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences and. Faculty, staff and students also participated in the walk and seminar.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, stressed the importance of urban soils in building sustainable and resilient cities. He identified soil contamination, compaction, sealing and pollution as major threats to soil health and proposed measures such as de-sealing, composting, improved waste management, green roofs, urban agriculture and sustainable urban planning as key solutions.
Prof. Dr. Ijaz Rasool Norka also underscored the need for sustainable urban planning, while FFC representative Mr. Rizwan Farooq highlighted the role of balanced fertilizers in enhancing soil quality. 
Director Agricultural Extension, Mr. Shahid Hussain, called for adopting sustainable management practices to safeguard soil health and environmental quality.