Soil processes are constituents of planetary well-being

Abstract

Soils play multiple roles in vital ecosystem processes, even though they form only a thin layer between Earth’s atmosphere and lithosphere. Soils are reservoirs of carbon, most nutrients and fresh water while acting as a substrate for plants, a site for decomposition processes, and a sink for harmful substances. The decomposition of dead organic matter and the associated recycling of nutrients are a prerequisite for photosynthesis by green plants and, therefore, for all life forms on Earth. Without healthy soils, the integrity of the Earth system cannot be maintained in the future. Soils are highly diverse habitats, inhabited by both structurally and functionally diversified organisms. However, human activity is currently threatening both soil health and biodiversity. Intensive farming, mining, deforestation, pollution, and urbanization are significantly reducing the area of undisturbed land and simplifying the soil structure. This also represents a threat to nature’s contributions to people. On the road to planetary well-being, humanity should therefore pay particular attention to soils. This chapter discusses how soil processes contribute to the well-being of our planet and how the impacts of human activities on soil affect planetary well-being.