What people think of soil

Soil means different things to different people:

• To the farmer, it is a very precious commodity in which their crops will grow and which forms the basis for his farmland. Farmers generally have a great respect for their soils as they are the basis of their livelihood.

• To the engineer it is the unwanted material that needs to be moved in order to reach strong enough foundations to support buildings, roads and railways.

• To the gardener, their interest in soils is brought about from their interest in growing flowers and vegetables.

• To the vast majority of the population, particularly the urban population soil is looked on as dirt or mud that gets on clothing, dirties things and is a nuisance and by these people it is not held in much esteem.

Just as in chemistry, physics, biology, considered to be the basic life sciences, there are also those who study soil science and undertake research into it in order to understand how it forms, what it is composed of, what it can produce and how it can be protected. Soil scientists take a more composite view of soils than do the specialists listed above, realising its importance to the wider world and bear a responsibility to ensure that it is well looked after for this and future generations.

Soil is remarkable, supporting life on earth, but it is under pressure as never before as population increases, putting more and more pressure on the land. Soil-net.com is being established so that everyone in whatever walk of life can begin to learn more about the soil, and in appreciating its importance, help to ensure that it can be protected for use by future generations.