Question

Discuss the factors on which soil formation depends.

Answer 1

Soil formation depends upon various factors such as:

1. Climatic conditions: Climatic factors such as wind, rain, frost, etc., play an important role in loosening up rocks and weathering them into smaller pieces. Soil formation happens fastest in areas with hot and humid climatic conditions where bacterial activity rapidly breaks down dead plant and animal matter. However, soil formation is slower in regions of cold climate.
2. Characteristics of parent rock: The type of parent rock also determines the nature of soil formation and the time required for soil formation. The minerals in the soil are in general derived from the minerals in the parent rocks.
3. Slope of land: The slope of the land also influences soil type. In hilly regions, where the land is sloped, soil is frequently washed away and the soil is thin. On the plains, soil deposits are relatively undisturbed and a thick layer of soil is formed.