In this article, regulations on land and soil protection are studied in a chronological sequence and in the historical and legal contexts. The main factors responsible for the deterioration of the quality of land resources and the soil environment are identified. The modern regulatory framework providing legal support to land and soil protection is analyzed. Among the current problems is the improper land-use triggered by inadequate legal regulation concerning pollution, depletion, degradation, and reduced fertility of soil. Appropriate legal protection to the ecological functions of the soil is absent. Further legal framework addressing rational use and protection of land resources (including soil) in Ukraine should be developed integrating environmental interests of society and ecological tenets of sustainable development.