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{{topic header| default.png | Soil }} | |||
'''Soil''' is significant in two main ways in [[sustainable development]] - as the basis of [[agriculture]], the living substrate on which [[crops]] are grown, and as a [[building]] and [[insulating]] material. | |||
== Soil in agriculture == | |||
Our understanding of soil has grown enormously in recent years. The common view of soil was as a source of physical support and chemical substances (natural and artificial) which act as [[nutrients]]. | |||
We now understand it to be much more than this - to be an [[ecology]], in fact, with [[soil microorganisms]] which break down the rocky components of soil, release nutrients in the process, as well as interacting directly with the plant's roots. | |||
The soil category on Appropedia focuses on this aspect. | |||
== Soil in construction == | |||
Soil is used in natural building (see [[earthen construction]]) methods as a [[building material]], as insulation and as [[thermal mass]]. | |||
For pages related to soil in construction, see [[:Category:Earthen construction]]. | |||
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[[Category:Agriculture]] | |||
Revision as of 22:32, 27 September 2010
Soil is significant in two main ways in sustainable development - as the basis of agriculture, the living substrate on which crops are grown, and as a building and insulating material.
Soil in agriculture
Our understanding of soil has grown enormously in recent years. The common view of soil was as a source of physical support and chemical substances (natural and artificial) which act as nutrients.
We now understand it to be much more than this - to be an ecology, in fact, with soil microorganisms which break down the rocky components of soil, release nutrients in the process, as well as interacting directly with the plant's roots.
The soil category on Appropedia focuses on this aspect.
Soil in construction
Soil is used in natural building (see earthen construction) methods as a building material, as insulation and as thermal mass.
For pages related to soil in construction, see Category:Earthen construction.