Throughout human history, soil has been repeatedly ruined and destroyed.  This is highly dangerous to a civilization, because soil is an essential resource that is useful in many ways.  Some societies have even collapsed due to mistreatment of their soil resources, so modern people must be cautious to avoid a similar fate.

Soil is composed of both inorganic materials and living organisms.  It provides the basis for life, giving nutrients to plants, which allow animal life to exist.

Several Types of Soil in the Western US.  Photo Credit: ClickArt Image Pak.

Soil is also used extensively in human production.  It contains natural fibers, and produces lumber and crops that people consume.

Crops are usually grown on mollisols, grassland soils.  Soils found in other places, such as tropical rain forests, usually lack the nutrients necessary to support the growing of crops.

When bedrock breaks down, it is converted into soil.  Some soil also comes from sediments that are left by the wind, a volcano, glaciers, or other sources.

Soil resources can be lost through erosion.  Wind and rain can uplift soil that is made easy to transport by various human processes and take it somewhere else.

Soil conservation is being practiced in various forms in many places around the world.  Conservation efforts aim to prevent erosion and maintain life-giving nutrients that are found in the soil.  In the future, soil will have to be preserved if food is to be continued to be grown.