The textbook is designed for students of higher educational institutions in the specialty B5060800-Ecology, as well as the biological and agronomic direction. The textbook presents basic data on the origin-genesis of the soil. Reference is made to the modern classification of soils taking into account the comprehensive impact of the anthropogenic factor. Considerable attention is paid to erosion factors and ways to eliminate their negative impact. The importance of the ecological state of the soil for the entire environment is emphasized. Briefly describes the main types of soil in the world.