Biosphere - Soil Forming Factors

Question 1

Time

Answer 1

Soils develop gradually
Young soils retain characteristics of parent material
Over time they gain features from the addition of organic matter and organism activity

Question 2

Organisms, vegetation, fauna and soil biota

Answer 2

Bacteria and fungi assist in plant litter decomposition
This is mixed by micro organisms such as worms, Beatles
Humus is determined by vegetation cover

Question 3

Climate

Answer 3

Governs soil formation
Determines vegetation distribution
E.g. Precipitation exceeds evaporation - leaching of the soil occurs

Question 4

Parent Material

Answer 4

This is the initial state of the system
Material from which the soil developed - from solid rock to deposits such as Alluvium, Boulder, clay
Influences the soil by colour, texture, structure, mineral composition and permeability/drainage

Question 5

Relief

Answer 5

Influences soil profile thickness
As angle of slope increases so does erosion hazard
Effects climate (Another factor)
Gradient effects run off