Below are some reasons why it is worth caring for the soil.
Basis of food production: most of the food we consume originates from agriculture. Healthy, well-managed soil produces higher yields that are more resistant to diseases and pests.
Water filter: soil plays a crucial role in water filtration, removing contaminants and preventing their penetration into groundwater.
Coal storage: soils represent one of Earth's largest carbon reservoirs, storing more carbon than the atmosphere and vegetation combined. By maintaining the land, we contribute to reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Biodiversity: an extraordinary diversity of organisms inhabit the soil – from bacteria and fungi to insects and small animals. They perform essential functions in ecosystems, such as decomposing organic matter or controlling pest populations.
Erosion prevention: healthy soil, rich in organic matter and structurally sound, is less susceptible to erosion. Soil erosion results in the loss of valuable fertile soil and can affect the quality of surface water.
Nutrient cycle: soil plays a critical role in the biogeochemical cycles of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Due to soil microorganisms, these nutrients are converted into forms available to plants.
The basis of terrestrial ecosystems: soil constitutes the foundation of various terrestrial ecosystems, ranging from forests to prairies, which support numerous plant and animal species.

By maintaining soil health, we address not only our immediate needs but also the overall health of the planet's ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial to employ agricultural and horticultural practices that protect and enhance land quality, while being mindful of activities that may cause degradation, such as over-fertilization or excessive pesticide use. Effective soil management benefits us and future generations.

Threats to crop yield
Global land use changes, agricultural intensification, and inappropriate soil management practices are leading to soil degradation. A key threat is soil compaction. Agricultural machinery, re-cultivation, and over-irrigation can lead to excessive compaction of soil particles. Compacted soil becomes less permeable to water and air, making it harder for roots to access nutrients and potentially resulting in lower crop yields. Soil degradation caused by over-cultivation, erosion, pollution, and loss of organic matter threatens the health of the soil ecosystem, resulting in reduced fertility, nutrient depletion, and deterioration of soil water properties. This significantly reduces agricultural yields and can harm the sustainability of food systems.

Wind and air erosion
Soil erosion poses a significant threat. Wind and water can readily remove soil from areas lacking vegetation or where the land is inadequately protected. Wind erosion primarily impacts arid regions, transporting fine soil particles over long distances. Air erosion occurs when soil particles are lifted by the wind and carried through the atmosphere, potentially causing serious health issues for humans and animals.

Methods for preserving soil quality
To address these threats, it is essential to implement sustainable soil management practices. Conservative tillage practices such as no-plough, mulch seeding, and strip-till can retain soil particles and prevent erosion. Cover crops such as rye and phacelia can protect soil from erosion by improving its structure and increasing its water retention capacity. Minimizing mechanical tillage, rotating crops, and using organic land management practices such as composting can significantly improve soil health and quality.

Summary
Soil is essential to our future. Its capacity to support healthy crops, store water, and play a critical role in biogeochemical cycles underscores the importance of its protection. By adopting suitable land management practices, we can ensure that this valuable resource will serve future generations.

Terminology
Reservoir – a collection of resources available for use.
Biogeochemical cycle – the circulation of an element or chemical compound within the entire ecosphere, involving both organisms and the inanimate environment.