Ecological Functions of Soil

1. Nutrient Cycling & Carbon Storage:

• Soil stores carbon and recycles nutrients essential for plant growth.

2. Water Regulation:

• Soils absorb, filter, and purify water, reducing contaminants before reaching aquifers and rivers.

3. Food & Biomass Production:

• Anchors plant roots, regulates air and water supply, and moderates root zone temperature.

4. Biological Habitat & Gene Pool:

• Hosts diverse organisms, supports seed germination, and facilitates organic matter decomposition.

5. Soil Mapping:

• Used for agriculture, environmental protection, and civil engineering by identifying soil properties and risks (e.g., erosion, nutrient deficiencies).