2. Supports the growth of plants, which in turn supply us with many things, such as food, clothing, medicines, lumber, and even oxygen. Supports the growth of plants, which in turn supply us with many things, such as food, clothing, medicines, lumber, and even oxygen. Purifies water as it drains through the ground and keeps water systems clean. Purifies water as it drains through the ground and keeps water systems clean.

3. Nutrient recycling by decomposers in soil that enable plants to grow. Nutrient recycling by decomposers in soil that enable plants to grow. Home to a variety of living things. Home to a variety of living things.

4. Farming: use of fertilizers & practices microorganisms have difficulty producing nutrients naturally. microorganisms have difficulty producing nutrients naturally. pollutes water systems. pollutes water systems. reduce plant cover and increases soil loss due to wind and water. reduce plant cover and increases soil loss due to wind and water. overgrazing by livestock. overgrazing by livestock.

5. Construction & Development: removal of vegetation to build soil is blown or washed away. soil is blown or washed away. makes water systems muddy and can harm the organisms living there. makes water systems muddy and can harm the organisms living there. causes flooding. causes flooding.

6. Mining: removal of soil speeds up rates of chemical weathering by exposing rocks & minerals to rainwater and air. speeds up rates of chemical weathering by exposing rocks & minerals to rainwater and air. contaminates soil (sulfuric acid). contaminates soil (sulfuric acid).

7. Crop rotation: The practice of planting different crops on the same field in different years or growing seasons. Crop rotation: The practice of planting different crops on the same field in different years or growing seasons. Conservation tillage: Reduces the number of times that fields are tilled in a year; therefore reducing the amount of erosion. Conservation tillage: Reduces the number of times that fields are tilled in a year; therefore reducing the amount of erosion.

8. Terraces: Flat, step-like areas built on a hillside to hold rainwater and prevent it from running downhill. Terraces: Flat, step-like areas built on a hillside to hold rainwater and prevent it from running downhill. Contour plowing: Plowing along the curves of a slope which helps channel rainwater resulting in less erosion. Contour plowing: Plowing along the curves of a slope which helps channel rainwater resulting in less erosion.

9. Windbreaks: Rows of trees planted between fields to reduce the force of winds that can carry off soil. Windbreaks: Rows of trees planted between fields to reduce the force of winds that can carry off soil.