User:Paleorthid/Sandbox/Article Nursery/Soil functions

5 soil functions
These are in order of my personal preference:




 * 1) Soil is a or bio-materials production whereby this medium combines with the other soil functions to anchor roots, and allow for the transport of water and nutrients to the root/soil interface.
 * 2) Soil is a, making up more than half of all "life" on the planet. The micro-organisms are mainly responsible for most of the bio-chemical transformations in the soil medium; whereas, the macro-organisms primarily affect physical soil transformations.
 * 3) Soil acts as a  which absorbs, releases (i.e., desorbs), and transforms inorganic and biochemical compounds such as essential plant nutrients, pesticides, minerals, heavy metals, and numerous other compounds.
 * 4) Soil acts as a  which stores (i.e., water holding capacity) and regulates the flow (i.e., drainage) of water in the landscape, allowing for the transport of various inorganic and biochemical compounds within and through the soil medium.
 * 5) Soil is a  for the physical support of structures including everything from plants to skyscrapers.

source: https://nrcca.cals.cornell.edu/soil/CA1/CA0101.php



Soils perform five key functions in the global ecosystem. Soil serves as a:
 * , and
 * , and
 * , and
 * , and

note: extensive supporting text.

source: Plant and Soil Sciences eLibrary http://passel.unl.edu/pages/informationmodule.php?idinformationmodule=1130447033&topicorder=3&maxto=7



Source: Soil Quality for Environmental Health USDA-NRCS http://soilquality.org/functions.html

A 6th soil function:
Source: Soil4Youth http://soilweb.landfood.ubc.ca/youth/ >> https://soil4youth.soilweb.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2015/05/LessonPlan5-SixEcosystem-Oct2013.pdf

Source: https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/six-main-roles-soil-ecosystem-ecological-roles-suggest-one-w-chapter-1-problem-3sq-solution-9780135014332-exc

Alternative list
(combines 2 functions, includes 6th respiration/climate change/atmospheric function)



source: https://www.regenerative.com/magazine/five-functions-soils

Cranfield University Source
source: Cranfield University https://www.soil-net.com/legacy/advanced/soil_functions.htm

FAO Infographic
(expands beyond the five functions)

source: http://www.fao.org/resources/infographics/infographics-details/en/c/284478/