Soil is a vital resource that is taken largely for granted. Soil is a mixture of mineral and organic material that is formed over many thousands of years. It nurtures and sustains life, recycles dead matter, stores carbon and provides the habitat for millions of organisms – far more than live above the soil.

The conservation of soil is vital to ensure the sustainability of our natural and farming environment. Physical loss by erosion and chemical deterioration, which affects soil fertility, is an increasing problem – soil that has taken thousands of years to form can be destroyed in minutes. Effects of soil loss can be erosion, polluted water, increased flood risk and loss in biodiversity.

Soils vary greatly depending on the rock on which they were formed. This gives rise to a varied landscape and wildlife giving local character to our countryside. Think of the contrast between the chalk downlands of southern England to the rich, red soils of the old red sandstone areas in Brecon Beacons.

Soils breaks down dead plant and animal material releasing he carbon and nutrients they contain, which helps plants grow. Rain is soaked up by soils helping to control the movement of water and reduce flooding.

Agriculture has had a major influence on our soils – ploughing, drainage and chemical inputs all affect the quality and quantity of the soil. It is estimated that Britain loses 2.2 million tonnes of topsoil every year to erosion by wind and water.

It is important to understand the soil type and condition of soil that is being worked and avoid compaction that increases runoff. Timing of operations and stocking should be carefully considered, e.g. spreading slurry when the soil is wet increases the risk of pollution of watercourses.

In Wales soils are still affected from acidification from acid rain in the past. Although the air pollution has improved the adverse effects linger in the soils.

In urban areas soils are being sealed off by being paved over in gardens or tarmaced over in industrial developments and roads. Surface water, instead of being absorbed and controlled by soils now causes flooding issues by running off into the local drainage system that cannot cope with the increased runoff.

Much more is needed to be known about the millions of organisms that live in the soil and how exactly they function. The organisms that live here may be microscopic but have evolved over millions of years and interact in ways that we do not yet understand.

Many of the current and future issues for the sustainable future of our planet: feeding the world’s population, climate change, conserving our biodiversity and maintaining the health of our rivers and oceans will be influenced by how we manage our soils.

Soil conservation may not be as glamorous as red squirrels or tigers but without healthy soils all our biodiversity is under threat.

For more information go to: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/soils