The Importance of Soil in Ecosystems

Science Holic
Jul 1
3 min read

Author: Bryan Lin

Editors: Eason Gao, Joshua Payne

Artist: Alicia Chen

Due to its abundance, we often overlook the importance of soil and its significant contributions to natural environments. Soil serves as the foundation of all land ecosystems, acts as a water filter, and provides a range of services, from antibiotic production to waste processing.

Soil acts as nature's most efficient water filtration system, removing pollutants and contaminants as water soaks through its layers. As water moves through the soil, impurities such as harmful chemicals and small organisms are trapped, absorbed, or broken down by bacteria, leaving behind a more purified water. This water will eventually reach an impermeable layer, where it collects and replenishes Earth’s groundwater supply, providing clean water to the ecosystem. Through soil’s ability to filter chemicals, the Soil Science Society of America estimates that “the Catskill Watershed provides New York City with clean water at a cost of $1-1.5 billion, much less than the $6-8 billion one-time cost of constructing a water filtration plant” (Soil Society of America), showing the economic benefits that soil’s filtration ability provides.

Beyond water filtration, it is surprising to learn that soil is also utilized in the production of antibiotics. More specifically, because soil is densely packed with microorganisms, the microorganisms have naturally evolved to produce chemical compounds that inhibit their competition. Scientists often take samples and study soil to isolate antibiotic producers, which can then be modified into a newer form of that antibiotic. Additionally, an article from the Re-Soil Foundation states that “soil harbors a huge number of microbes capable of producing effective and as yet unknown antibiotics” (Re-Soil Foundation), a claim made based on a study by the Leiden Institute of Biology in the Netherlands. By discovering these new, effective — and yet unknown — antibiotics, we may be able to address the growing problems posed by antibiotic resistance.

Soil's impact on the natural environment is primarily due to its ability to decompose organic matter through the activity of microorganisms and chemical processes. This natural breakdown process is similar to composting, which is defined as "an easy and natural biodegradation process that takes organic wastes such as plant remains, garden debris, and kitchen scraps, transforming them into nutrient-rich amendments for soil and plants”. Through this process, soil recycles nutrients from dead organisms into forms that living plants can absorb, creating a cycle that sustains an entire ecosystem. Without this vital function, organic waste would accumulate endlessly, and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium would remain locked away and unavailable to support new plant growth. Trees depend on the soil’s ability to decompose and recycle nutrients, as fallen leaves in autumn contain valuable nutrients the trees cannot immediately reuse. Various fungi and microorganisms found within the soil will then decompose the tissue and release those nutrients back into the soil, making them available for the tree roots to absorb once again.

Soil's remarkable ability to filter water, produce life-saving antibiotics, and recycle essential nutrients into natural environments all demonstrate its importance. Who could have known that this common and simple-seeming substance has such a valuable role, and continues to do so much for our planet!

Citations:

Bio LibreTexts. "Isolation of an Antibiotic Producer from Soil." Bio LibreTexts,

bio.libretexts.org/Learning_Objects/Laboratory_Experiments/Microbiology_Labs/

Microbiology_Labs_I/07%3A_Isolation_of_an_Antibiotic_Producer_from_soil.

Accessed 29 May 2025.

Earth Eclipse. "Soil Importance Different Layers Soil." Earth Eclipse,

eartheclipse.com/environment/soil-importance-different-layers-soil.html. Accessed 29

May 2025.

"How Dirt Cleans Water." Scientific American, www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-

dirt-cleans-water/. Accessed 29 May 2025.

MrG's Science. "ESS Topic 8.3 Solid Domestic Waste." MrG's Science,

www.mrgscience.com/ess-topic-83-solid-domestic-waste.html. Accessed 29 May 2025.