The nexus of soils, plants, animals and human health

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The contributions in this book highlight the critical role soils play in the health of plants, animals, and humans. It emphasizes the intricate connection between soil and human health, illustrating how healthy soils yield nutritious crops that support the well-being and productivity of humans and animals. Soil quality directly affects food production by supplying essential nutrients and mitigating environmental pollutants. However, these pollutants can also render soils toxic and degraded. Additionally, soils and their crops can expose organisms to pests and pathogens while simultaneously providing medicinal substances and disease suppression. Globally, soil quality is crucial, as over 800 million people suffer from undernourishment, with many lacking essential micronutrients. Zinc deficiency impacts nearly one-third of the population, and iron deficiency affects around 3 billion people. Climate change further complicates these issues, as soils are linked to the atmosphere, acting as both sources and sinks of greenhouse gases. As the largest active terrestrial reservoir of organic carbon, improved soil management practices can enhance carbon sequestration. This book summarizes the current state of research on these vital topics, offering a comprehensive overview of the global significance of soils for humanity.