How do you distinguish between the process of soil formation and soil-forming factors ? What is the role of climate and biological activity as two important control factors in the formation of soils ?

Solution

The soil forming processes are mentioned below :

1. Eluviation : It is the mechanical translocation of clay or other fine particles down the profile.

2. Illuviation : It is the accumulation of the washed down material in the lower horizon of the soil profile.

3. Cheluviation : It is the downward movement of the material similar to leaching but under the influence of organic complex compounds.

4. Leaching : It is the removal and downward movement of material from a horizon in solution and depends on several sets of factors including climate, rock-forming materials and organisms present.

Soil forming factors are : (i) climate, (ii) parent material (iii) topography, (iv) biological activity and (v) time.

The role of climate and biological activity is important. The climatic elements involved in soil development are moisture and temperature. Precipitation gives water. Without water, chemical and biological activities are not possible. Excess of water helps in the downward transportation of soil components through the soil and deposits the same down below.

Temperature acts in two ways-increasing or reducing the biological activity. Biological activity increases in warmer temperatures. In humid tropical and equatorial climates, bacterial growth and action is intense and dead vegetation is rapidly oxidized leaving very low humus content in the soil.

Some More Questions From Geomorphic Processes Chapter

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Geomorphic Processes

How do you distinguish between the process of soil formation and soil-forming factors ? What is the role of climate and biological activity as two important control factors in the formation of soils ?

Some More Questions From Geomorphic Processes Chapter

How many essential elements are required by plants ?

How is young soil distinguished from mature soil ? Describe.

What external forces of gradation take place ?

Describe chemical weathering.

What is leaching ?

How is humus formed ?

State the physical properties of soil

Name the chemical properties of soil.

What is weathering ?

Name three types of weathering.

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