Soil
Where life begins and returns
Soil is a mixture of mineral and organic matter that contains air, water, and microorganisms. It is the Earth’s uppermost, thin, and discontinuous layer—the place where plants grow, many animals find suitable habitat and a water reserve, and organic matter returns. Many processes occur in soil, including nutrient recycling, water purification, and gas exchange with the atmosphere. Soil is therefore vital for life on Earth.
The main drivers of soil formation and its properties are living organisms, weathering agents, and climate. There are many soil types, classified by their parent rock, colour, the presence of horizons (layers), and organic content.
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Fertile soil
Soil is an essential resource, and the loss of fertile soil is a growing concern worldwide. According to the United Nations and the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), one-third of the world’s soil is moderately or severely degraded due to a combination of intensive farming practices, natural processes, and climate change driven by human activities. As the fertile topsoil thins, it becomes increasingly difficult to cultivate and produce food. In some regions, without changes to agricultural practices and urgent measures to preserve soil, the global food supply is becoming ever more uncertain.
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