Soils Support Recreation: Soils Make Your Life More Fun!.

Soil is a big part of sports and recreation, whether you’re on a field or in the water.  The list of popular sports and recreational activities which require careful consideration of soil is long:  baseball, soccer, golf, football,  dirt bike riding, dirt track racing, horse racing,  mountain biking, hiking, tennis,  and many more.  Not only are soils important as part of our sports infrastructure, but soil also helps ensure clean water for the water sports and activities we enjoy. 

Here are some facts about soils and recreation:

1. Soils keep plants, trees and animals in our forests and parks healthy.
2. Tree root systems need soils for support, for nutrients and to hold rainwater for later use.
3. Sandy surfaces of beaches are home to not only soil microbes, but also larger animals like crabs.
4. Healthy turfgrass for field sports rely on soils for nutrients, water, and support.
5. Soils help clean the water in rivers and lakes, to provide for healthy water sports.

Simple common-sense guidelines can help us manage our soils so that everyone can enjoy their favorite recreational opportunity.  Soil scientists help developed these guides.