About Soils

Soil – the very thin skin of our planet. It enables life on earth and is contributing to human well-being. Soils perform essential functions which ensure the provision of various Ecosystem Services. But due to the world’s growing demand for food, materials and energy as well as unsustainable management strategies, soils are under enormous pressure.

This section provides information about soils in the Alps, Ecosystem Services, which depend on soil functions and soil biodiversity, as well as soil threats. Furthermore, soil classification issues are discussed and all relevant terms are elucidated in our soil glossary.

Representative Alpine Soil Profiles photos. Source: Links4Soils project.