This week we are focusing on soils and soil health. Soils are an essential resource for maintaining ecological stability and provide both a matrix and nutrients for plant growth that becomes food for humans and other animals to eat. In this discussion, you will learn more about what constitutes a healthy soil and start to think about ways to assess soil quality. We will focus on ways to maintain soil health and touch on some of the threats to good soil quality.

The following sources available from Shapiro Library can help you get started thinking about managing our soil resource and the impact of human activities such as farming and construction:

• Agriculture and Soil Conservation
• Soil Profile

Then, address the following questions about your research, making sure to relate your initial post to this week's readings and resources. Follow proper citation methods. Then answer the following questions for the area you researched:

1. What area did you choose, and why did it interest you?
2. What are the major soil issues in this area?
3. What conservation efforts have taken place or are in the process for this area?