Background Resources

According to the Encyclopedia of Life Support System, the roots of soil science go deep into human history. Some level of soil knowledge would have been necessary when the earliest known agricultural practices were used. Early soil knowledge was based on observations of nature; experiments to test theories were not conducted. Through the Middle Ages, Renaissance Period, and Age of Enlightenment many advances were made and famous scientific names such as Francis Bacon, Robert Boyle, and Leonardo da Vinci worked on soil issues. However, soil science did not become a true science in its own right until the 19th century with the development of genetic soil science, led by Vasilii V. Dokuchaev.

Encyclopedia of Life Support System
According to the Encyclopedia of Life Support System, the roots of soil science go deep into human history. Some level of soil knowledge would have been necessary when the earliest known agricultural practices were used. Early soil knowledge was based on observations of nature; experiments to test theories were not conducted. Through the Middle Ages, Renaissance Period, and Age of Enlightenment many advances were made and famous scientific names such as Francis Bacon, Robert Boyle, and Leonardo da Vinci worked on soil issues. However, soil science did not become a true science in its own right until the 19th century with the development of genetic soil science, led by Vasilii V. Dokuchaev.
A number of people think of farming or gardening when they think of soil. As a group, people tend to think of soil in the context of its ability to supply us with food. But soil is known in various ways, it is the foundation of our construction projects. It is found at the interface between the biologic, hydrologic, lithologic, and atmospheric spheres of our planet Sustainable soil management will also advance progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and climate change. It should become the worldwide norm in order to optimize our use of soil now and preserve and protect it over the long term