jordtäcket

Jordtäcket is the Swedish term for the soil blanket—the upper layer of the Earth's crust in which soil forms and accumulates through the weathering of bedrock and input of organic matter. It covers most land areas and varies in thickness from a few centimeters in rugged, windy areas to several meters in fertile plains. The concept emphasizes soil as a living, functional layer that supports plants and provides essential ecosystem services.

Soil is composed of mineral particles, organic matter, air, and water, and develops distinct horizons. Commonly recognized horizons include the organic-rich O horizon, the mineral A horizon, the leached E horizon, the B horizon of subsoil, and the C horizon of parent material. Soil properties such as texture, structure, pH, nutrient content, and biological activity govern fertility, drainage, and the capacity to retain water.

Formation and distribution are governed by pedogenesis, driven by climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time. The jordtäcket forms through weathering processes, deposition of organic material, and ongoing biological activity, producing regional variations in color, texture, and fertility.

Ecologically and climatically, soils store substantial amounts of carbon, regulate infiltration and runoff, filter pollutants, and provide habitats for a vast range of organisms. They underpin agricultural production, forestry, and biodiversity, and influence landscape stability and resilience.

Human impacts include deforestation, overgrazing, agricultural practices, erosion, and pollution, all of which can degrade the jordtäcket. Sustainable management—such as conservation tillage, cover crops, agroforestry, terracing, and soil restoration—helps maintain soil structure, fertility, and long-term productivity.