Why soil – Microbz Soil

Microbz Soil

Soil is the skin
of the earth

Why soil?

Without soil, life on earth would not exist. Humans certainly would not be able to survive. Soil provides us with the three essential components for our survival; food, clean water and shelter and it is the foundation of agriculture.

Soils are essential for life

Soils are essential for life. They help us grow plants and crops, provide habitats for insects and organisms, are a filtration system for surface water, maintain atmospheric gases, help to recycle nutrients and aid decomposition. The dirt beneath our feet is an exceptionally high source of biodiversity: some estimates suggest that at least one quarter of all species on the planet live in or on the soil. 

Soils are essential for plant growth:

  • Soil supports roots which are essential for numerous functions including crop growth

  • Soil provides plants with essential nutrients and minerals

  • Soils provide air for gaseous exchange between roots and the atmosphere

  • Soils stimulate root growth with rich, high quality yields even in drought periods

  • Soil protects plants from erosion and destruction from either physical, biological or chemical activity

  • Soil retains water and maintains acceptable aeration

Soils create an environment for insects and microorganisms:

  • Effective microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi and nematodes), insects and bugs live within soil and depend on it for food and oxygen

  • A variety of organisms such as worms and termites live in soil and provide the needed moisture and air for the breakdown of organic matter

  • Many living organisms and insects lay eggs within soils to populate new offspring

Read more here about soil organisms.

“Soil biodiversity is largely unseen but is crucial for healthy ecosystems, and ultimately healthy humans,”

Tandra Fraser and Diana Wall from the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative.