Soil ecosystem services and human health

Abstract

The impact of soils on human health is well-documented, and the ecosystem services (ES) provided by soils are important to human health. However, previous works on soils and human health have not approached the topic from a soil ES perspective. This paper provides examples of ways that soil ES support human health. Provisioning services ensure a plentiful supply of nutritious food products, building supplies that allow the construction of housing that protects human health from inclement weather, fibers for clothing that aid in body heat regulation, and fuel to heat houses during cold weather. Several of these relationships, like the provisioning of shelter and heat, have not been previously explored in the soils and human health literature. Regulating services relevant to human health include pathogen regulation and greenhouse gas cycling. Cultural services are important in healing, stress reduction, and recreation. The examples presented in this paper demonstrate the influence that soil ES have on human health and that taking an ES approach when considering soils and human health has the potential to identify areas that need further investigation.