The importance of soil

Soil & Water book contest

A selection of super free-to-download booklets that were created for World Soil Day 2023, demonstrating the importance of soil and water (mud!).

World Soil Day

Held on 5 December each year, the website features lots of resources looking into the importance of sol.

Soil-net.com

Free resource for teachers and students offering extensive curriculum-based information about soil, for primary & secondary pupils. Discover what soil is, the teeming life in soil and about the many environmental threats facing soils.

Why is soil important?

Facts & tips from BBC Bitesize.

What is soil made from?

Info and activities examining the make up of soil, from BBC Bitesize.

Soil for Kids

Games, experiments and soil science for children, from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).

Soil for Teachers

Search teaching resources by subject, grade level, type, etc. From the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).

All about soil

Simply presented facts about nutrients, erosion, layers, organic matter, soil fertility, texture, microorganisms and more, from Easy Science for Kids.

Teaching kids about soil

Looks at what is soil, soil layers & types, activities, compost etc, from The Kids Garden.

Earth Science for Kids: Soil

How is soil formed and why it's important, from Ducksters.

Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy

'Soil microbes have been found to have similar effects to antidepressants. Learn to make yourself happier and healthier through gardening.' Gardening Knowhow, 8 August 2024.

How mud boosts your immune system

Children love getting dirty. They are drawn to puddles like muddy magnets, with no regard for footwear or the colour of their clothing. But getting mucky could have a powerful effect on their wellbeing, too.
BBC, October 2022

Dirt is NOT Dirty – How Playing in the Dirt Benefits the Immune System

The benefits of playing with dirt and why children are drawn to it.
Wake Up World, 2015

Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy

"Prozac may not be the only way to get rid of your serious blues. Soil microbes have been found to have similar effects on the brain and are without side effects and chemical dependency potential."
Gardening Know How, c2014

Soil Bacteria Work In Similar Way To Antidepressants

'Exposure to friendly soil bacteria could improve mood by boosting the immune system just as effectively as antidepressant drugs, a new study suggests.'
Live Science, 11 April 2007