Language: English
What is soil? Where does it come from? What is special about soil in Latin America and the Caribbean ? What does soil provide to society? What is the impact of climate change on soils? The first ever Soil Atlas of Latin America and the Caribbean aims to answer these questions about the origin and functions of soils through the use of striking maps, informative texts, stunning photographs and graphics. This Atlas also describes the different soils that can be found in the region, and with the use of digital soil mapping technology, illustrates the high diversity of soil characteristics. This work is the result of a collaboration between scientists from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and North America. The Soil Atlas of Latin America and the Caribbean places special attention on the possible negative effects of climate change on soil functions and properties, as well as potential mitigation and adaptation measures which can be adopted in order to preserve this natural resource. This publication constitutes an essential reference for the management of a natural resource that is non-renewable within a human time frame, yet fundamental for life on Earth