In honour of World Soil Day, Sarawak Tribune spoke with Associate Professor Dr Mohd Effendi Wasli of UNIMAS to uncover the vital role of soil health and the urgent need for restoration.
Not merely about planting trees
Imagine walking through a lush forest, the ground beneath your feet teeming with life.
The soil is more than just dirt — it is a living, breathing ecosystem, supporting trees, regulating water cycles, and storing carbon.
Now, picture this same soil stripped of its vitality, reduced to dust by the relentless forces of nature and human activity.
Restoring it is not merely an agricultural challenge; it is an ecological necessity.
This journey of healing the earth is a delicate dance of science and patience, where understanding the secrets of soil health becomes the key to restoring the balance between humanity and nature.
Soil degradation: Silent crisis endangering forests and life
Associate Professor Dr Mohd Effendi Wasli of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), in an interview with the Sarawak Tribune, pointed out that soil degradation occurred when the physical, chemical, and biological qualities of soil deteriorate, robbing it of its ability to nurture plant life, store carbon, or filter water.
Soil degradation, he said, was a complex issue driven by natural and human activities.
“Natural factors, such as erosion, are exacerbated by heavy rainfall, especially in tropical regions like Sarawak, which accelerates nutrient depletion and topsoil loss, especially in areas where vegetation has been cleared.
“Human activities such as deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, industrial pollution, and land conversion for urbanisation or infrastructural development have also contributed to soil degradation.
“Activities such as logging and the expansion of monoculture agriculture further decrease soil organic matter, disrupt microbial ecosystems, and degrade soil structure.
“Hence, I frequently emphasise that soil is a non-renewable resource because a return to its previous state can take many years, depending on the cause and severity of deterioration.
“When degradation progresses to an irreversible stage, the soil’s functionality is permanently lost,” he stressed.
But this is not where the story ends — it’s where the work begins.
Restoring degraded soil is no small task. It requires a deep understanding of its condition and the right strategies to heal it.
At the heart of this mission lies a question: When is soil ready to support life again?
Assessing soil readiness for reforestation
According to Dr Effendi, the readiness of soil for reforestation lies in understanding its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
These assessments, he said, were crucial for evaluating soil health and designing effective reforestation strategies.
“This involves selecting site-specific planting techniques, matching tree species to soil conditions, and applying post-planting silvicultural treatments to enhance both soil health and tree growth.
“While soil health is critical, it is not the sole determinant of reforestation success.
“Factors such as microclimate, water availability, and overall ecosystem dynamics play equally significant roles.
“A combination of soil tests and field observations often determines a site’s suitability for reforestation,” he explained.
This approach, Dr Effendi said, has worked well for initiatives like the Takasago UNIMAS Educational Forest, an educational forest built on the university campus in 2018.
There, he said, regular soil evaluations and adaptive planting strategies, such as the Nursing Tree Concept, have been pivotal.
This method prioritised matching local tree species to site-specific characteristics, maximising tree survival and growth.
“Reforestation is more than just planting trees — it’s about creating resilient ecosystems. Every root that takes hold in the soil represents a step closer to renewal.
“By integrating scientific research with practical interventions, projects like this not only improve soil health but also lay the foundation for long-term environmental recovery,” he noted.
Misconceptions and realities
Dr Effendi emphasised that one of the biggest myths about forest restoration is that trees can grow on any soil.
This oversimplification ignores the intricate relationship between soil health and vegetation.
Restoring soil, he noted, required deliberate actions, such as adding organic matter and introducing nitrogen-fixing plants, to rebuild fertility and nutrient cycling.
“In Sarawak, reforestation success is often measured by the number of trees planted rather than how well these trees integrate into the ecosystem.
“In my view, the focus should shift from quantity to quality — emphasising the sustainability of the trees within the restored area and their ability to deliver broader ecosystem services.
“Successful reforestation is not just about planting trees — it’s about ensuring they thrive to support climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and human well-being,” he explained.
To address these misconceptions, Dr Effendi said that he emphasised public education, policy advocacy, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders.
Elaborating, he noted that successful initiatives like the Greening Sarawak programme by the Forest Department Sarawak — which has planted over 30 million trees statewide — highlighted the importance of systematic planning in reforestation efforts to achieve tangible and sustainable outcomes.
Moreover, he said community-based projects led by various stakeholders in the state demonstrated that reforestation is not merely about planting trees but about fostering a shared sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment.
“These initiatives showcase how collective efforts can ensure not only the sustainability of forest ecosystems but also the involvement of local communities in nurturing and preserving these landscapes for future generations.
“By presenting these success stories, we bridge knowledge gaps and underline the critical role of soil in reforestation.
“This approach advocates for a more holistic and sustainable perspective that recognises the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and environmental dimensions in forest restoration,” he pointed out.
Challenges under a changing climate
Shifting rainfall patterns, extreme weather, and prolonged droughts accelerate erosion and organic matter loss, making restoration even more challenging.
Dr Effendi said that in degraded areas, these challenges may lead to problems like compaction, erosion, flooding, and the effects of natural disasters, making restoration efforts even more challenging.
One of the key challenges in soil restoration, he stressed, was time.
“Restoring soil health to a state suitable for plants involves a significant time, and the unpredictable nature of evolving climatic conditions adds to the difficulties.
“In Sarawak, intensified rainfall can strip away topsoil, while rising temperatures deplete its organic content.
“Yet, amid these challenges, hope persists. By adopting adaptive management practices, such as selecting flood-resistant native trees and implementing flexible strategies like enrichment planting, restoration projects can withstand the unpredictable forces of climate change,” he explained.
Dr Effendi further emphasised the importance of indigenous knowledge in soil restoration.
“Passed down through generations, this traditional wisdom represents a vital repository of strategies that must be documented, analysed and integrated into modern restoration efforts.
“Combining indigenous practices with scientific knowledge can yield innovative solutions to address the challenges of our changing climate, fostering adaptive and sustainable soil restoration approaches,” he stated.
Elaborating, he added that the Iban people in Sarawak have long used vegetation as an indicator of soil health, a practice aligning with modern scientific principles.
Additionally, traditional techniques such as intercropping, agroforestry, and the application of organic amendments have been employed by local communities for generations to maintain soil fertility and structure.
Incorporating these time-tested practices into modern soil restoration efforts honours not only traditional wisdom but also provides cost-effective and ecologically sustainable solutions.
This synergistic approach, he said, ensured that soil restoration efforts were not only scientifically sound but also culturally relevant and resilient in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Signs of healing
How do we know when the soil has begun to heal?
Dr Effendi hence shared his thoughts on the key signs of soil recovery after restoration efforts using the word “HEAL”:
H — Healthy forest: The emergence of a thriving forest ecosystem characterised by increased tree survival rates, steady growth in height and diameter, and the successful establishment of diverse plant species. This indicates that the soil is capable of supporting vegetation sustainably.
E — Ecosystem renewal: Visible improvements in soil biodiversity, such as the return of earthworms, fungi, and microbial activity, which play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and soil structure enhancement.
A – Adaptive management: Positive feedback from ongoing monitoring and adaptive practices, such as increased organic matter content and reduced compaction while maintaining sufficient nutrients to support plant growth. These metrics indicate that restoration strategies are effectively addressing soil challenges.
L — Landscape restoration: Broader environmental improvements, including reduced erosion, improved water infiltration and retention, and enhanced carbon sequestration. These changes reflect a functional and resilient soil system that supports plant growth and the surrounding ecosystem.
According to him, the concept of HEAL underscored the interconnected nature of soil recovery, emphasising its pivotal role in forest restoration while contributing to broader environmental sustainability and ecosystem health.
A legacy of restoration
While studying soils may not seem as glamorous as other biological sciences, Dr Effendi firmly believed that it was foundational to understanding ecosystems and ensuring environmental sustainability.
“Soil is not merely dirt; it is life-sustaining. Numerous restoration efforts have inspired my work, such as the Loess Plateau in China, mangrove restoration in Thailand, and reforestation projects in Malaysia.
“However, my journey began with observing how Sarawak’s local communities manage their land for sustainable livelihoods, highlighting the critical need for sustainable land use.
“One project that has profoundly influenced me is the Forest Landscape Restoration programme in Sarawak, supported by the Japan-Malaysia Association, the Forest Department Sarawak, and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
“Among my current work, the Takasago UNIMAS Educational Forest Project stands out.
“With over 25,000 native trees planted, this initiative integrates adaptive strategies like site-species matching and innovative techniques to create microenvironments that improve soil conditions,” he explained.
Globally, he said, soil restoration played a critical role in combatting climate change.
Malaysia’s National Climate Change Policy Version 2.0 emphasised soil’s potential for carbon sequestration, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Restored soils, he noted, can create resilient landscapes, helping ecosystems adapt to changing climates while ensuring environmental stability.
“In Sarawak, soil restoration boosts agricultural productivity, enhances food security, and promotes sustainable land use.
“It also mitigates erosion and protects rivers and aquatic biodiversity. These interconnected benefits highlight soil’s pivotal role in balancing ecological and societal needs, making it essential for achieving sustainability goals,” he pointed out.
Perfect soil restoration plan
An ideal one, Dr Effendi said should integrate the concept of HEAL — addressing soil health as the foundation of forest and ecosystem recovery.
Key elements would include:
- Baseline assessments: Thoroughly analyse the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties to identify specific challenges like nutrient deficiencies or compaction.
- Site-specific solutions: Tailor interventions to local conditions. Selecting native tree species that match the soil type and microclimatic conditions ensures ecological and social sustainability.
- Organic matter management: Enhance soil organic matter through techniques like green manure or organic amendments to improve structure, water retention, and fertility.
- Community involvement: Engage local communities, non-governmental organisations, researchers, and government bodies to foster ownership and ensure long-term commitment to maintaining restored areas.
He went on to say that improved soil health indicators such as organic matter and microbial activity, high tree survival rates and the return of diverse plant species, increased biodiversity, including the return of native fauna and flora, as well as enhanced ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, better water retention, and reduced erosion can all be used to evaluate success.
“This comprehensive, adaptive approach ensures restoration plans are responsive to environmental challenges, creating resilient landscapes and thriving ecosystems.
“By combining scientific research, traditional knowledge, and sustainable practices, we can achieve long-term ecological balance and sustainability,” Dr Effendi concluded, wrapping up our conversation.
Hence, as we stand at the crossroads of environmental degradation and recovery, the urgency to restore degraded soils transcends academic pursuits and becomes a moral obligation to the planet.
Soil is the silent architect of life, weaving together ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and anchoring our survival in an increasingly fragile world.
The work of pioneers like Dr Effendi reminds us that soil restoration is more than a technical challenge — it is a profound act of renewal and hope.
Through science, community collaboration, and adaptive strategies, we can heal the earth’s wounds and build resilient landscapes that withstand the tests of climate change and human impact.
Imagine a future where degraded lands flourish with life again, where every seed that takes root becomes a symbol of resilience, and every restored forest echoes our commitment to safeguarding the planet.
Soil restoration is not merely a task; it is a testament to humanity’s capacity to repair what it has damaged, to harmonise with nature, and to leave a legacy of sustainability for generations yet to come.
The soil beneath our feet holds the blueprint for renewal — if we choose to listen, learn, and act. The time to heal begins now!
