Soil plays a vital role in the survival of living beings on the earth. Its importance can be listed as
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 living forms. Hence they act as source of essential minerals and elements needed for various enzyme and cell reactions.
Why is soil important?
