ABSTRACT
Soil is the top layer of earth’s crust and is constituted by minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It constitutes an extreme complex matrix and a fragile resource and its formation is a slow process and for that reason it can be considered a non-renewable resource. Soil is essential to many human activities: agriculture, raw materials provider, ecosystems survival and biodiversity maintenance, cycle nutrients, carbon sink, etc. Other aspects concerning human well-being, as access to safe water and food, free of contaminants, and cultural and spiritual components connected to landscapes and ecosystems are also very important. Nowadays there are many competing uses for soil: forests, agriculture, urbanization, waste management operations such as landfi ll, industry, transport, and others that make soil a much requested resource. Due to its functions and its role in human activities and survival, soil is a resource worthwhile to be protected and preserved for present and future generations. Despite its recognized importance, soil is degrading at a global level and its degradation is a problem that many regions and countries are now addressing, including the European Union. Erosion, loss of organic matter, salinization, contamination, and sealing are among the most common problems found in soil management. All these issues have negative impacts on ecosystems, climate, resources, human health, and economies. These problems demand a more sustainable way of managing this resource taking in consideration that local problems generally tend to increase pressure elsewhere.
