2.4 CulturalThese include the intangible benefits obtained from the ecosystem (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). The soil acts as a substrate for the beautiful scenery offered by the landscapes. It is also an archive of archaeological treasures (Biggs 2004) and geological resources which form a significant part of the heritage. By regulating greenhouse gases (Soil Science Society of America 2014), soils ensure the availability of clean air for mankind. Soils also provide a means for improving human living conditions.3 SOIL FUNCTIONS IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT, HYDROLOGY AND POLLUTIONOverviewFrom the previous discussion, it is clear that soil connects to, responds to, and shapes land, the atmosphere and its climates. , surface and groundwater, and ecosystems (Soil Science Society of America 2014).3.1 Hydrological InteractionsThe load, movement, and distribution of water are regulated in the pedosphere. Soil determines the water that will recharge aquifers and the water that will be used by living organisms. Soil hydrological interactions can be indicated by: The ability of the soil to be disturbed in terms of its structure and other physical attributes that contribute to its depth, its ability to be washed away. Also soil attributes that determine water behavior with respect to water quantity, water movement paths, and other patterns of soil water behavior (vanTol 2010). The amount of salts and sodium in soil water is also critical in determining the ability of the water to be used for plant growth and development (Pearson 2003). Soil, through its structure and function, determines the distribution of water within and within the soil. When the water hits the ground, it will seep into the soil. This is... half the paper... from the earth. These organisms include microorganisms, plants and animals. These benefits include: Organisms require nutrition for growth and development so they can be physically and structurally healthy. Soil stores reserves of nutrients that are available as nutrients to organisms through direct uptake by plants, in particular and through feeding by nutrient-rich organisms, for example animals that graze on the plants. Soil also provides a medium for the movement of most organisms. Soil provides aeration for those organisms that require it, and other soil conditions are suitable for anaerobic organisms. Through the regulating function of soil, organisms are provided with an environment with reduced levels of toxicity. Soil is also a medium for agriculture and crop development, necessary to provide nutrition and economic development to improve human livelihoods.