WEBVTT

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Soil formation is the process by which weathered rock and organic material combine to create

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soil.

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There are various stages involved in soil formation, weathering of parent material.

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The parent material such as bedrock or loose sediments is broken down by weathering processes,

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creating smaller particles.

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One of organic material, the plants, animals and microorganisms contribute organic matter

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to the soil as they live and die.

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This organic material enriches the soil and helps bind particles together.

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Formation of soil horizons, soil is a vital component of our ecosystem, and over time it

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develops distinct layers known as horizons.

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Bedrock

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At the bottom we have the bedrock, a solid layer of rock that eventually weather to form

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new soil, completing the cycle of soil formation.

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Parent material

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Above the bedrock is the parent material consisting of weathered rock fragments which serve as

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the foundation for soil formation and contribute to its mineral content.

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Subsoil

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Next, we encounter the subsoil which contains minerals leached from the top soil

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and has a higher clay content providing stability to the soil structure.

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Topsoil

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Beneath the organic layer lies the topsoil, rich in organic material and microorganisms

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making it the most fertile layer for plant growth.

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Organic layers

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At the surface, we have the organic layer composed of decomposed leaves, plants and other

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organic matter crucial for nutrient cycling.

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The various factors affecting soil formation are parent material, climate, organisms,

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topography and time.

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Understanding these soil horizons helps us appreciate the complexity and importance of

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soil in supporting plant life and ecosystems.