Soil Formation

What is soil?

•Soil is a loose mixture of rock fragments, organic matter, water, and air that can support the growth of vegetation.

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1. •The first step in soil formation is the weathering of parent rock into smaller pieces.

2. • Very small particles from parent rock are mixed in with organic matter to form soil.

3. •Rock is broken down by weathering and plant root growth to form sediment.​

Steps of soil formation

What causes Humus to form?

•Some microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, decompose the remains of plants and animals.

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•These remains are decayed organic matter called humus. It contains nutrients that plants need to grow.

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​•Larger animals, such as earthworms and moles, loosen and mix the soil as they burrow, increasing the air in the soil and its ability to drain water.

What factors determine how long it takes for soils to form?

•Four main factors determine how long it takes for soil formation and development.

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•These factors include:

1. Rock type

2. Climate

3. Topography

4. Plants and animals.

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