Soils provide readily available nutrients to plants and animals by converting dead organic matter into various nutrient forms.
Soils can effectively remove impurities, kill disease agents, and degrade contaminants.
Soils maintain a net absorption of oxygen and methane, and undergo a net release of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
Soil filters our water, provides essential nutrients to our forests and crops, and helps regulate the Earth's temperature as well as many of the important greenhouse gases.
Soils offer plants physical support, air, water, temperature moderation, nutrients, and protection from toxins.
