Soil is considered a nonrenewable natural resource primarily because it takes a long time to form. Soil development is a slow process that typically takes thousands of years for just a few inches to develop through the weathering of rock, organic matter accumulation, and the complex interactions of organisms.
Once soil is degraded or lost due to erosion, pollution, or unsustainable agricultural practices, it cannot be quickly or easily replaced, making it a finite resource in the context of human activities. While soil can be improved and managed sustainably, the natural formation of soil is a long-term process that cannot keep pace with the rate at which it is being consumed or degraded.