Soils and the living landscape
Roles and functions of soil in our living landscape
Soils are a vital part of the natural environment and rural economy. They underpin the distribution of plant and animal species but also act as a storehouse of cultural and archaeological artefacts and other remains. They influence the character of our landscapes and have a vital role in controlling key process exchanges with atmospheric, freshwater and marine systems. Scottish soils also have a high content of organic matter and therefore have an impact on climate change through the storage and emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Soils perform many roles and functions as well as being of value in themself but are also under threats from changing climate and use of land.
Soil function: water flow & quality
Controlling and regulating flow and quality of our lochs and rivers systems
Soil function: habitats & biodiversity support
Soils are the physical support to all life and an ecosystem in its own rights
Soil function: cultural & archaeological heritage
Soils retain in their fabric the imprint of past landscapes, ecosystems and humans activities
Soil function: providing raw materials
Soils as a natural resources and commodities (peat, sand, topsoil)
Soil function: platform for planning
Road, building, powerline, hydro-wind energy scheme, flood defence