What is the most important thing about soil?
This is the most challenging question. “Most important” is always answered from the perspective of values. To many farmers, the most important thing about soil is that it produces crops that provide their livelihood. To environmental engineers, the most important thing about soil is its ability to purify itself. To engineers who build things, the most important thing about soil is its ability to support weight or loads. (The leaning Tower of Pisa leans because it was built on soil that could not support its weight.) To people concerned about wildlife, the most important thing about soil is its role in providing habitat (food and shelter) for many wild animals and several endangered species. Soil plays an important role in both air and water quality. Poor quality soil that is not covered with plants or residues blows with the wind, causing dust storms. It will erode with the rain, adding nutrients to streams, rivers and lakes, and makes them muddy. Soil that has good quality resists win
