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Soils of Latin America and the Caribbean have been studied for hundreds of years since ancient civilizations. However, formal studies on soil science started at the beginning of the twentieth century as part of agricultural sciences. The importance of studying soils of the region relies on their capacity to provide ecosystem services. These services are translated into food, water resources, climate regulation, and nutrient cycling. With a changing climate and human-induced transformations to our ecosystems, the provision of ecosystem services will be dependent on meaningful actions taken by governments, industries, and individuals. These actions need to be in the form of strategies aimed at erosion control, soil health enhancement, and sustainable soil management practices. Moreover, given the diversity of ecosystems in the region, research focused on the monitoring and improvement of soil health will be essential for Latin America and the Caribbean. |
