As I was preparing to write an article on the importance of soil to man, I found a material which really speaks my mind. Therefore, I decided that I should share with us.

Soil is one of the most valuable natural resourses vailable to us. It is very important for sustenance of life on the earth. The top soil which is suitable for plant growth is eroded due to human activities like construction of building, homes, roads and city expansions. On the other hand the soil layers, responsible for soil fertility, microbiology and other soil organic matter are polluted and contaminated deliberately due to agricultural and industrial pollution . Unfortunately we humans of this generation have been habituated to avoid even soil contact by foot. Many of us are even unaware of soil, its feel, touch and its properties.

Soil plays a vital role in the survival of living beings on the earth. Its importance are listed below.

1. Soil fertility: Fertile soil supports growth of plants . In-turn these plants produce vital needs to humans like food, clothing, furniture, medicine etc. Even other animals, insects receive food by grazing on plants.

2. Soil microbiology: It provides support for survival of many bacteria , algae, fungi etc. These bacteria and microbes present in soil help in environmental balance like retaining of moisture, decay of dead bodies of animals, plants etc., scavenging of waste and other toxic chemicals including plastic.

3. Top soil provides shelter for insects, reptiles, birds and animals. Further top soil is necessary for even other activities like nesting, reproduction, hatching of eggs, breeding etc.

4. Soil organic matter contains essential minerals and elements like phosphates, sulphates, calcium, zinc, magnesium and many more. These elements are provided to plant during growth and from there to all the livingforms. Hence they act as source of essential minerals and elements needed for various enzyme and cell reactions.

5. Soil a source of minerals: Minerals and mines present in soil is the source of many metals like iron, bauxite, zinc etc . Many metal elements are mixed up with soil and hence extracted from soil by technical processes.

6. Soil is used for making utensils, tiles etc. The utensils like cups, plates china clay, plaster of paris etc. Tiles used in home or building made of ceramic like soil components.

7. Soil contents like gravel, clay, sand, etc. are widely used for construction of homes, buildings, roads etc.

8. Soil a source medicines : Soil gives us some important mineral medicines like calcium (bones), iron (hemoglobin) bentonite (laxative) and other substance like petroleum jelly, steatite for cosmetics, talcum powders etc.

9. Soil keeps atmosphere cool: Soil absorbs water when there is rain and so, when is there is heavy sun heat, this water from soil evaporates making the air cooler.

Further you might have noticed wind blowing from sea surface to land surface. This is because soil get heated fast and cools fast unlike water. Hence during heavy summer, soil gets heated fast and so the air above it raises causing low pressure for the air from sea surface to flow on to land. This is why the atmosphere remains cool.

10. Home for animals, bird & insects: Soil is the natural dwelling place for many living beings. Animals like, rats, mice, guinea pigs, mongoose, squirrel etc live in the burrows made in the soil. Reptiles like snakes, lizard live in the soils. Even insects live and nest in the soil. Some birds also nest in the soil. Thus soil provides a safe shelter to many living beings and promotes biodiversity.

Article reference: https://www.studyread.com/importance-soil-uses-conservation/

Photo source:https: //www.frador.com/your-guide-to-gardening-a-landscaping-soil/