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Vegetation and Soil

What effects do the vegetation and soil have on people?

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Nature background of lush forest vegetation in a tropical jungle

Vegetation and soil are examples of physical systems. Forests and grasslands are different types of vegetation on Earth. Vegetation is basically the plant life on Earth.

Soil is the loose upper layer of the Earth's surface. This layer of broken bits of rocks and minerals, along with decayed plants and animals, make up the material in which plants grow.

The type of soil, as well as the amount of water and sunlight, all determine what types of plants, or vegetation, will grow in a particular region. In warm, wet climates, for example, soil is rich in nutrients and minerals and will grow a variety of plants.

Gardening tools on fertile soil texture background seen from above, top view. Gardening or planting concept. Working in the spring garden.
Rows of evenly spaced healthy, mature spring onions growing in rich well drained soil.

In hot, dry climates, soil is very dry, allowing little, if any, vegetation to grow.

Soil is extremely important and plays an important role in supporting life on Earth. Vegetation depends on soil for growth, and people depend on plants as a food source. In areas where the soil is rich, more vegetation grows. In these areas, agriculture is more common. Good soil is perfect for growing crops and raising livestock.

farmer holds in his hands a young yellow potatoes

Soil also helps filter and clean water. Through the irrigation process, water is distributed to plants in controlled amounts.

Daniel Barth from Sioux Falls, S.D., plants one of 1,400 small trees and shrubs along a stretch of the Potomac River that the Navy is working to stabilize at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Md.

Sometimes, though, the soil is in poor condition and is in need of improvement. This ability to provide better soil to areas can help grow more crops, feed more people, and provide people with cleaner water.

photo shows irrigation system in raised garden bed

Here are some other ways vegetation and soil
can affect people:

  • The type of homes people build depends on the type of soil and vegetation.
  • People may move to areas where there is more fertile soil and vegetation.
  • Some soils contain certain minerals, like gold or iron ore, that can be used to make things people need or want, like metal for electronics, peat (decayed vegetation) for heating, and gold for jewelry.