Little of the solar energy reaching the earth actually results in soil warming The ener 'gy is used primarily to evaporate water from the soil or leaf surfaces, or is radiated or reflected back to sky Only about 10% is absorbed by the soil and can be used to warm soilLittle of the solar energy reaching the earth actually results in soil warming. The energy is used primarily to evaporate water from the soil or leaf surfaces, or is radiated or reflected back to sky. Only about 10% is absorbed by the soil and can be used to warm soil