Stages of Soil Formation and Importance

Abstract

Understanding the stages of soil formation helps to explain the diversity of soils and our own role in it. Every 1 to 10 cm of layer of fertile soil takes up to a thousand years to form. Soil is a valuable resource that must be carefully managed; because it is easily damaged, washed away or destroyed. If we get to know the soil and manage it properly, we will prevent the destruction of one of the basic components of our environment and food security. In this article, the survey of soil formation process and its importance have been discussed. The purpose of the research in this article was to know the processes of soil formation and the importance of soil in human life and the role of humans in the formation and destruction of soil on the surface of the earth; whether human activities play a role in the formation and destruction of soil or what could be the consequences of soil destruction in human life which have been addressed using the library method. Research findings show that soils are very different in terms of characteristics due to geological and climatic changes over time and distance. The thickness of the soil, depending on the intensity and duration of weathering, periods of sedimentation and soil erosion and evolution, can vary from a few centimeters to several meters. Currently, most of the food needed by humans is produced from the soil, and the deterioration of the soil leads to many social problems and food security challenges; therefore, organizations and institutions around the world have taken necessary measures to ensure food security.