Ecosystem services provided by soil can be supporting (e.g. providing primary production and biodiversity) or regulatory (e.g. erosion control, water infiltration, nutrient retention, atmospheric gas regulation and pest control). This chapter explains how ecosystem services benefit human welfare through these functions, addressing the role of soil in the production of food, fibre and energy, erosion control and nutrient abatement. The chapter also examines how soil regulates infiltration of water, can mitigate greenhouse gases control pests and supports biodiversity. The chapter provides an extensive review of the literature for further reading on the subject and looks ahead to future research trends in this area.