Endangered species, endangered soil, ecosystem approaches

Abstract

Agricultural, forestry, and related industries will always be in trouble with an endangered species act which protects every species. Nature never did intend for all of its creatures to be permanent. Many species have ceased to exist either when they no longer had a role in an ecosystem function or when the ecosystem upon which they depended no longer could supply their needs. The fittest survive. The task to preserve all species is virtually impossible and very expensive; approach to it should first consider the integrity of an ecosystem. An ecosystem may be important to a species, but that species may not be important to the ecosystem. Economics and potential intrinsic value are valid reasons for protecting species, but good science should dictate all that is done. There is merit in protecting ecosystems more than endangered species; a multidisciplinary, holistic approach is needed. New rules need to be developed regarding endangered species; their roles in ecosystem functions and their ability to successfully compete need to be part of the decision process. Soil as a component of most ecosystems is sometimes an endangered species; it deserves protection. Special problems with the various organisms in soils probably can never be resolved, especially since many, if not most, are not even known.