Soil Utilisation Patterns in the Global South

Soil constitutes the basic resource for diverse human activities and is considered one of the most essential natural resources invaluable to human survival on Earth. From time immemorial, the soil is utilised to provide critical services including water filtration, growing medium, and habitat for micro- and macroorganisms. Generally, soil utilisation supports practices in which soil is used for the provision of various services, processes, and functions or purposes such as agriculture, construction, and others. Soil utilisation patterns can contribute to the economic status of a nation especially those in the Global South. Therefore, it must not be neglected in any development endeavour, either at local, regional, or global levels. The majority of functions performed by the soil are closely connected with humans, ecosystems, and biodiversity well-being. However, agricultural production is the most pronounced, recognised, and acknowledged soil utilisation pattern. Note that soil utilisation patterns are different in developing and developed countries. The soil utilisation patterns that are practiced in a particular location are determined by many factors such as characteristics of the soil, agricultural activities and processes, socioeconomic status, urban and regional planning, geographical conditions, and political situations. This chapter aims to examine soil utilisation patterns in the Global South and their impacts on socioeconomic activities. Therein, the most essential soil utilisation patterns practiced in the Global South are outlined and discussed. The chapter emphasises the most essential soil utilisation patterns that continue to contribute to and sustain the economy of the Global South. These patterns include the use of soil for agricultural production, water storage, habitat for biodiversity, waste recycling agent, storehouse for mineral raw materials, and landscape engineering and urban development. It is assumed that the information and knowledge shared in this chapter will be necessary to improve the attitudes of people on innovative and sustainable soil utilisation patterns.