F. Soil Formation
Soil is a dynamic medium in which many chemical, physical and biological activities going on constantly. Soil can be defined as – a collection of natural bodies on the earth’s surface containing living matter and supporting or capable of supporting plants.
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Process of Soil Formation
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- A precondition for soil formation is weathering. It is a weathering mantle which is the basic input for soil to form.
- The weathered material or transported deposits are colonized by bacteria and other inferior plants.
- The dead remains of organisms and plants help in humus accumulation.
- Minor grasses and ferns may grow in starting and later big plants and trees.
- Plants’ roots penetrate down, burrowing animals bring up particles, and the mass of material becomes porous and sponge-like with a capacity to retain water and to permit the passage of air and finally a mature soil.
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Soil forming factors
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- Parent material – a passive control factor and soil formation depend upon the texture and structure.
- Topography – a passive control factor. The amount of exposure of a surface covered by parent materials to sunlight etc. depends on topography.
- Climate – an active control factor. Factors such as precipitation, moisture in the soil, temperature, etc. play a major role in soil formation.
- Biological Activity – The vegetative cover and organisms that occupy the parent materials from the beginning and also at later stages help in adding organic matter and moisture retention, nitrogen etc
- Time – The length of time the soil-forming processes operate, determines the maturation of soils and profile development.
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