Why are soil services important for life on Earth?

Soils are the foundation for human infrastructure. Soils provide food, raw materials and fibers which are used e.g. for clothing. Soils store more carbon than all the plants on Earth combined. Soils hold archaeological treasures and inspire art and spirituality. A single teaspoon of grassland or forest soil contains more microorganisms than there are humans on our planet. Soil microorganisms provide the basis for medicine, e.g. some antibiotics. Soils regulate cycles of water, air and nutrients.