Soils fulfil a number of ecological and other functions more directly related to human activity; 
most soils support more than one function at a time. 
These functions can be grouped into 6 categories:

Some soils are used primarily for biomass, for example, food and timber production.

Soils interact with air and water 
for example acting as a store of carbon and are key to determining concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Some soils support,
and are part of, important terrestrial ecosystems such as native pinewoods.

Other soils are part of our
cultural heritage, for example
the man-made lazy beds in crofting areas.

 Some soils provide raw materials
such as sand and gravel deposits.

Soils also provide the foundation
for the built environment.
Soil is a non-renewable resource within human lifetime. Urban encroachment
is one of the biggest pressures on
our soil resource.

In this sense soils are central to the issue of environmental sustainability. An illustration of some selected issues relating to environmental pressures, soils and land use management can inform policy through consideration of soils and indicators of sustainability.