SOIL 
and WATER
Our planet is composed of SOIL and WATER one of the
main components that comprise most of our planet's
composition. Oftentimes, these two are the most
vulnerable to abuse and exploitation because of human
activities. In this section of the module, I will introduce
you to the importance of SOIL and WATER, our
fundamental resource, the meat of our planet, one of the
components that sustain life in our planet.
Soil is one of the earth’s most important natural
resources. It underpins human food production systems,
supports the cultivation of vegetation for feed, fibre and
fuel, and has the potential to help combat and mitigate
climate change. It’s also a rich and complex ecosystem,
accommodating a staggering array of biodiversity.
Therefore, the importance of soil on life is vast.
Franklin D. Roosevelt once said “The nation that
destroys its soil destroys itself.” He wasn’t wrong.
Healthy soil is crucial for human life and wellbeing.
However, soils across the globe are being threatened and
damaged by human activities. Here, we discuss the
importance of soil, the relationship between humans and
soil, and the health of our soils is threatened.
Water. It's found everywhere on Earth, from the polar ice
caps to steamy geysers. And wherever water flows on
this planet, you can be sure to find life.
"When we find water here on Earth — whether it be ice-
covered lakes, whether it be deep-sea hydrothermal
vents, whether it be arid deserts — if there's any water,
we've found microbes that have found a way to make a
living there," said Brian Glazer, an oceanographer at the
University of Hawaii at Manoa, who has studied
astrobiology.
That's why NASA's motto in the hunt for extraterrestrial
life has been "follow the water."
Human Activities affecting quality and availability of
water for human use.
Human Activities That Pose The Biggest Threat To
Water
Clean, drinkable water is more than a precious
resource — it’s crucial to human life. Unfortunately,
population growth and pollution are threatening to
seriously undermine the availability of clean drinking
water in many of the world’s major cities. According
to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy
of Sciences, water treatment costs have risen by 50
percent in a third of large cities around the world.
Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know
Our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas are drowning
in chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants.
Here’s why―and what you can do to help.
Human Activities affecting quality and quantity of
soil.

HUMAN AND SOIL INTERACTIONS

Since soil is so vital to human life, humans have to move

and manipulate it in order to utilize it. This, however,
can lead to environmental problems, soil loss, and
degradation. Soil degradation is a human-induced or
natural process which impairs the capacity of soil to
function.
What causes Soil Pollution?
Human activities are the primary cause of soil pollution
and land degradation. By the end of this topic, you will
know how different forms of human activities are
responsible for the majority of different types of soil
pollution.

Conservation of Water and Soil Resources

The importance of water and soil cannot be overstated.

We must ensure that there is enough for both
consumption and environmental needs. These resources
are necessary for life, yet they are under risk of pollution
and unsustainable exploitation. There are techniques that
can both protect and conserve our soil and water
resources. Please see the links below for more
information.
Here are some of the ways we can help conserve
our water resources: Here are some of the ways we can help conserve our soil
resources:
1. Use less water. Turn off the water while you brush
your teeth and shave. Take shorter showers. Run the 1. Grow cover crops and plant trees around fields to
clothes washer and dishwasher only when they're full. buffer the effects of winds. Keep fields as flat as possible
to avoid soil eroding downhill. Also, reduce amount of
2. Keep harmful substances out of the water. Don't put land and log for mining. Replant logged areas with new
hazardous materials, pesticides, oil, prescription drugs, seedlings. 
or personal care products down the drain or toilet --
they'll wind up in the bay and other local waterways. 2. Keep as much green space in cities, such as strips of
trees where plants can grow.
3. Keep pipes and appliances in good condition. Fix
leaks and drips. Even a small drip can waste hundreds of 3. Dispose and recycle waste materials. 
gallons a month.