Discuss the four major factors of pedogenesis.

Factors of pedogenesis are discussed below:

(i) Parent Material: The parent material is derived from the rock exposed to the weathering agents. It determines the type, colour and fertility of the soil. For example, the soil which is formed by lava is black in colour and is fertile.

(ii) Relief: The variation of the slope of land determines the degree of its deepness and fertility. If the slope is steep, the soil cover is thin or shallow and less fertile due to the intensive erosive activity there. On the other hand, if the slope is gentle, the soil cover is deep and rich.

(iii) Climate: The elements of climate such as temperature and rainfall affect the soil formation through their amount and seasonal distribution. Climate controls the type and effectiveness of weathering of parent material, the quantity of water seeping through the soil and the type of micro-organisms present there.

(iv) Natural Vegetation: The natural vegetation provides the much-needed content of humus through its decayed leaf material. The densely forested areas of the country contain some of our best soils.