What major factors do we attribute soil properties to? Explain each factor

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Soil Formation is a result of five major factors. These are parent material, climate, topography, biological activity and time. It is important to note that these factors do not work in isolation.

Parent material is the mineral matter from which soil is formed. Weathering breaks rock down into smaller particles and new chemical forms. This gives the soil its first chemical and physical characteristics.

Climate regulates both water movements and biological activity. Water plays a central role in rock weathering and soil formation. The type of climate determines in part if there would be leaching of minerals, for example.

Biological activity among plants and animals moves minerals and adds organic matter to the soil. Plants produce organic matter that accumulates on the soil surface, and animals redistribute this organic matter through the soil.

Topography affects water movement and erosion rates. Topography also affects the amount of water present in the soil, largely through controlling drainage and erosion. Steeply sloping areas generally have better drainage than flat or low-lying areas, and they are often more eroded. All these factors work over time, typically requiring many thousands of years to create a mature soil.