Soil ecosystem services, sustainability, valuation and management

Soils provide and regulate a large number of ecosystem services (ES) and play an important role in sustaining humanity. The benefits we receive from soils are directly or indirectly linked to clean air and water and food production, among others, and are key to poverty alleviation and climate change mitigation. These are some of the most important challenges for our society. The type, quantity or quality of soil ES depends on the specific environmental characteristics that will determine soil properties and functions. The valuation of soil ES depends on natural features and management type. Non-sustainable practices induce soil degradation/devaluation and a large number of disservices, while sustainable practices can maintain and improve soil ES. Overall, soil ES quality and quantity over the long-term will depend on how sustainably we manage our land.