Importance of Air, Water, and Soil in the Environment
Earth is a planet that consists of life sustainable elements in it. This is the only planet that consists of all the 3 life elements: air, water, and soil.
Water
This is one of the most important non-living resources which is used for survival. It is essential for every living organism as they use water as a medium for all the chemical reactions happening inside the body. Water is present in huge bodies such as ocean, seas, rivers, and lakes. The water is converted into various forms such as water vapour, snow, glaciers, and ice shelves.
Earth is composed majorly of water and other part is made of land. 97% of water is found in oceans which is salty to taste and cannot be consumed on daily basis. Of the 3% available as fresh water, 98% of freshwater present is in the form of glaciers and ice. Of this whole fresh water, small portion only is available in rivers and lakes.
Uses of Water
Water plays a major role in the world's economy. Approximately, 70% of the water used by human beings constitute agricultural purposes. Major food component in the majority of the countries is the fish which is available in both salt and fresh water bodies. Water is also used as a means of transport for shipping various products around the globe such as oil, natural gas, and solid goods.
Water is converted in the form of steam and is used for cooling and heating purposes. It acts as a solvent in both mineral and organic which is used in industrial processes such as cooking and washing. This is used in ice form to make use for surfing, skating purposes.
Air
A mixture of gases which is composed of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen and a small percentage of wate vapour and other gases. The oxygen produced by the plants present on earth makes it a sustainable place for living organisms. This oxygen is produced from carbon dioxide.
The oxygen available in the atmosphere is used for preparing food. The carbon dioxide exhaled by the living organisms is utilized by plants using the energy from the sun to produce food.
Uses of Air
It regulates the temperature of earth.
Due to this regulation, there are changes in weather and different climatic conditions occur accordingly.
Soil
Earth consists of 3 main layers and they are: Crust, Mantle, and Core. The soil plays a major role in maintaining the atmosphere of earth as it provides the shielding for development of plants which produce oxygen. A living organism requires enough vitamins and minerals. These minerals are available in the upper crust layer of earth.
Due to the availability of these minerals in huge rock structures, it is not possible for the living organisms to use. Hence, these mineral particles are made into small forms known as Soil. This soil consists of mineral components such as Iron, Zinc, Nitrogen compounds, etc. which are required for survival of living organisms. Soil acts as a substance for retaining the water which is utilized by plants for growth. Soil also consists of ores such as Iron, Copper, Gold, and Aluminium which are used by humans daily.
Uses of Soil
Soil is mainly used for agricultural practices as the nutrients available in the soil reach the root of the plant and are helpful for the nourishment of the plant.
Soil is used in the building process as the soil undergoes soil compaction which increases the density of soil.
Soil can be used in preparation of ceramic materials and pottery. The clay soil is used for preparing pots and is used for cooking and drinking utensils. It is highly nutritious to have food from pot materials.
Soil is commonly used for treatment of diseases, preparation of ointments, drugs and anti-tumor drugs. It is used for preparation of antibiotics as the microbes available in soil are harmful for bacteria.
Beauty products are prepared by using soil. Most commonly it is used in the preparation of blush and foundation. Soil which is rich in clay material is used in facial masks and toothpastes.
Harmful Practices on Air, Water, and Soil
Modern farming techniques such as usage of fertilizers and pesticides on soil are harmful for the natural content of soil and are degrading the soil quality. This results in a decrease in the food quality in the long run.
Loss of fertile soil is due to the mining and deforestation practices.
Passage of chemical waste by the industries into the water system pollutes water which should be utilized for survival and the living organisms inside water.
Air pollution is caused due to the release of hazardous chemicals into the natural air and by consuming this polluted air, it is a risk for all the living beings.
These harmful practices create an imbalance in nature thus making it risky for living organisms to survive. This also alters the climatic patterns of the atmosphere.
List of Animals living on Land and Water |
Crocodile |
Frog |
Tortoise |
Salamander |
Gharial |
Toad |
Hippopotamus |
Crabs |
Mudskiper |
FAQs on Air, Water, and Soil: Key Resources for Life
1. Why are air, water, and soil considered the most important natural resources for life?
Air, water, and soil are fundamental for survival on Earth. Air provides oxygen for respiration in all living beings. Water is essential for all metabolic processes, serves as a habitat, and is required for drinking. Soil anchors plants, provides them with nutrients and water, and is the foundation for agriculture, which produces our food.
2. What are the key components of air and what is their importance?
The air we breathe is a mixture of several gases, each with a crucial role:
Nitrogen (approx. 78%): An essential component of proteins and nucleic acids in living organisms.
Oxygen (approx. 21%): Vital for respiration, the process that releases energy from food.
Carbon Dioxide (approx. 0.04%): Used by plants during photosynthesis to create food.
Other gases: Argon, water vapour, and trace gases are also present and play roles in atmospheric balance.
3. What is the water cycle and why is it important?
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It involves processes like evaporation (water turning into vapour), condensation (vapour forming clouds), and precipitation (rain, snow). Its importance is immense as it purifies and distributes fresh water across the planet, replenishing rivers, lakes, and groundwater, which are vital for all forms of life.
4. What is soil, and what are its different layers called?
Soil is the top layer of the Earth's crust, formed from the weathering of rocks and mixed with organic material. It supports plant life. A typical soil profile has distinct layers called horizons:
Topsoil (A-Horizon): The uppermost, dark layer, rich in humus and minerals, where most plant roots grow.
Subsoil (B-Horizon): Located below topsoil, it is harder, more compact, and contains fewer nutrients.
Parent Rock (C-Horizon): Made of small pieces of weathered rock from which the soil is formed.
Bedrock: The solid, unweathered rock layer at the bottom.
5. How does the presence of air and water within the soil help organisms?
The spaces between soil particles are filled with air and water, which are critical for life within the soil. Water dissolves nutrients, making them available for plant roots to absorb. Air provides the necessary oxygen for the roots and other soil-dwelling organisms, like earthworms and bacteria, to respire. This interaction makes the soil a thriving ecosystem.
6. What is the difference between weathering and soil erosion?
While both processes shape the land, they are different. Weathering is the process of breaking down large rocks into smaller particles to form soil. This can be caused by wind, rain, temperature changes, or biological activity. On the other hand, soil erosion is the removal and transport of the top layer of soil by agents like strong wind or flowing water. Weathering creates soil, while erosion displaces it.
7. How do different soil types, like sandy, clayey, and loamy, affect agriculture?
The type of soil greatly impacts which crops can be grown. Sandy soil has large particles and drains water very quickly, which is not ideal for many plants. Clayey soil has fine particles that retain too much water, leaving little room for air, which can harm plant roots. Loamy soil, a mix of sand, clay, and silt, is considered the best for agriculture because it retains adequate water and allows for good aeration.
8. Why is preventing pollution of air, water, and soil a crucial responsibility?
Preventing pollution is crucial because these resources are interconnected. Air pollutants can cause acid rain, which pollutes both water and soil. Contaminated water can seep into the ground, polluting the soil and making it unfit for agriculture. Polluted resources can harm wildlife, cause diseases in humans, and disrupt the entire ecosystem balance. Protecting one resource helps protect all others.
