A soil function may be variable such as absorbing and storing water and nutrients, providing a medium for plant roots, filtering of pollutants, habitat for organisms that breakdown organics, pollutants, weathering geologic materials, etc. Most plants need soil in some way for its capability to provide nutrients, water, support, etc. Ecosystem services related to soil are benefits to society may be direct or indirect benefits, such as providing a relative smooth surface cushioned with organic cover to walk on, providing habitat for plants and associated animals, potential for food, materials to make things like sea grass baskets, wood to burn and make lumber, unusual scenery such as wetlands or gullies are related to soils.
Soil is the upper most fertile layer of the earth crust which serves as the natural medium for the growth of plants. The main function of the soil is to provide anchorage to roots of the plants. Its other functions are to hold the water and nutrients and allow their supply to the plants.
The soil ecosystem service is a benefit to society derived from healthy ecosystem property or process. Some of these includes:
Production of food and fuel
Clean air and water
Decomposition and cycling of nutrients
Gas exchange and carbon sequestration
Maintenance of soil structure etc.
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