Ode to soil

Abstract

Water and soil are the "twin pillars" supporting life on the land. Buchan (1996) reviewed the many "talents" (wonder properties) of water. This paper reviews: a) the remarkable talents and natural functions of soil - a much more complex (indeed messy!) material; and b) our many uses of soil materials, in agriculture, industry, construction, the environment, and in sport and recreation. Soil is the sustainer of life – our provider and protector. It is the origin of our body minerals (including bones). It is a remarkable store-and-release mechanism for water and nutrients. It is Nature's "recycling yard": its teeming life forms close the cycle of life by converting dead plant and animal matter into nutrients for inheritor generations. Thus it is the "living mantle" on the landscape, feeding plants, crops and forests. Further, it makes planet Earth life-friendly by moderating climate; it is a rich source of raw materials; and it supports our sports and recreation. Soil is the second most complex system on the planet – after the human body. Nothing matches it for the huge diversity of its components, and for the point-to-point variability in its properties. Sadly, soil degradation is a major global problem. Improving respect for soil and water is critical for sustainable civilisation on planet Earth.