Is soil considered a renewable resource?

Soil is generally classified as a non-renewable resource on a human timescale. This is primarily due to the fact that the process of soil formation is incredibly slow, taking hundreds to thousands of years to develop even a few centimeters of topsoil. While natural processes can regenerate soil, the rate at which soil is lost through erosion, degradation, and unsustainable agricultural practices far exceeds the rate at which it is formed. Therefore, from a human perspective, soil cannot be considered renewable within a typical lifespan, as it does not regenerate quickly enough to keep up with the losses incurred from human activities. This understanding highlights the importance of sustainable soil management practices to preserve and protect this vital resource for future generations.