Question

Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?

Answer 1

The two climatic factors responsible for soil formation are temperature and rainfall.

• The other climatic factors responsible for soil formation are rate of weathering, and humus.
• Apart from Climate, other major factors which are responsible for the formation of the soil are Relief, Parent Rock, Time, flora, fauna and microorganisms.
• Under Relief, the major factors which are responsible for the formation of soil are slope, altitude, accumulation of soil.
• Time is a factor which determines the thickness of the soil.
• The rate of humus formation is determined by the flora, fauna and microorganisms.
• Parent rock determines the permeability of soil, chemical properties of soil, colour of the soil, texture of the soil, content and mineral composition of the soil.
• The major threat to soil resource is the depletion and soil erosion.
• Degradation of soils takes place due to natural factors and human factors.
• Floods, landslides, rain wash, pesticides, overuse of chemical fertilizers, overgrazing, deforestation are the major factors which lead to degradation of soil.