Whether we realise it or not, soil affects each of us in our everyday lives. Besides being fundamental to the production of our food and other agricultural products, the soil performs a wide range of functions that go beyond farming. It regulates water, sustains plant and animal life, recycles organic wastes, recycles nutrients, stores carbon, filters out pollutants, and serves as a physical support for structures. For farmers, understanding the functioning of the soils on their farms - and how to make the best use of the water available - form the base of their livelihoods.