soil, importance

THE IMPORTANCE OF SOIL

What's the difference between soil and dirt?

wrong place - dirt

 The importance of soil

Life, civilization depend on planet's soil and water resources

Shortages cause:

ConflictsMigration

Future  

Soil will become even more crucial World population doubles every 40 years

only 7 percent of earth's surface is suitable for agriculture

Soil is non-renewable resource

Thin, fragile layer of life-supporting material

Supplies plants, animals with all resources they need

Soil health

Capacity of soil to sustain plant and animal growth

Capacity of soil to maintain air and water quality 

  Soil degradation

United Nations report, 2001:

1.75 billion tons of crop soil lost worldwide to erosion

 Reasons for soil degradation

ErosionPollutionDesertification Changes in soil chemistryIncreases in salt levelsLoss of organic matter

We must take it upon ourselves to practice good soil management and protect our soils. 

How much soil is there?

How Much Soil Is There?