Pedogenesis

Pedogenesis or soil evolution (formation) is how soil is created.

Climate regulates soil formation. Soils develop more in areas with more rainfall and more warmth. The rate of chemical weathering increases by 2-3 times when the temperature increases by 10 degrees Celsius (50°F). Climate also affects which organisms are present, affecting the soil chemically and physically (movement of roots, burrowing by animals).

The organisms living in and on the soil form distinct soil types. Coniferous forests have acidic leaf litter. Mixed or deciduous forests leave a larger layer of humus. Prairies have very high humus accumulation, creating a dark, thick soil.

The rock from which soil is formed is called 'parent material' (bedrock). The main types are: eolian (wind), glacial material, alluvium, lake material other parent materials.

Pedogenesis is the major topic of the science of pedology. Its other aspects include the soil morphology, classification (taxonomy) of soils, and their distribution in nature.

Related pages

• Topography

References

• Buol, Stanley W; F.D. Hole & R.W. McCracken. 1997. Soil genesis and classification. 4th ed, Iowa State Univ. Press, Ames. ISBN 0-8138-2873-2
• Hole Francis D. & J.B. Campbell. 1985. Soil landscape analysis. Totowa Rowman & Allanheld. ISBN 0-86598-140-X