Without soil, the earth's surface would be barren rock or sand, silt, clay and gravel, and would not be able to support life. Soil is a biologically active zone where sunlight, water, the atmosphere and living things mix and interact with the Earth's rocks and minerals. Soil is constantly altering its composition in response to changing conditions. It supports a host of interdependent communities of living things which survive by endlessly exchanging energy and chemical resources (minerals, elements, nutrients etc).

We will also study soil classification, soil mapping, and soil as a resource for agriculture, building sites, landfills, septic systems, and water (quality availability and movement). A knowledge of soils is necessary for site assessment, urban and regional planning, and pollution mitigation

Humans are dependent on soils. Initially we used soil mainly for agriculture to support our growing population. Historically, poor soil stewardship resulted in the demise of many civilizations - and it is still uncertain how well soils will be able to support a growing, hungry population now over seven billion. Soils are becoming a scarce resource. The generation of dust from soil erosion is linked to increased cases of human disease, coral death, red tides, drought, and the end of the Ice Age. Dust is even implicated in the demise of the dinosaurs. Soil interactions will be very important as we investigate long-term Global Climate change.