Soil is an amazing material that, along with water, air, and sunlight, provides the basis for life. It is the interface between the earth’s atmosphere, bedrock and surface and ground water. It has either formed in place or has been transported to its present location by wind, water, gravity, or humans (hopefully from somewhere nearby!). Soil is the basic raw material and common link to all projects whether one wants to build a park, a street, a large building, landscape a yard, or just plant a backyard garden. When abused, soil can erode, become compacted or contaminated, and remain relatively lifeless. When valued, soil can be the foundation of great abundance and beauty.
NRCS Urban Soils Primer
