Prelims · 3 Physical & World Geography · 3.7 Biogeography and soils of the world

3.7.1 Soil formation: factors, processes and the soil profile

Soil forms slowly from weathered rock as climate and living things work on it over time; its layers (horizons) record these processes, and its five controlling factors are parent material, relief, climate, organisms and time.

  • APPSC Group 2 · Prelims
  • Standard level
  • 8 min read
  • Full course

Key terms

  • soil
  • pedogenesis
  • pedology
  • parent material
  • topography
  • climate
  • biological activity
  • time
  • humus
  • peat
  • hardpan
  • kanker
  • desilication
  • laterisation
  • podzolisation
  • calcification
  • salinisation
  • gleying
  • eluviation
  • illuviation
  • soil horizons
  • soil profile
  • Rhizobium
  • soil conservation
  • mulching
  • contour barriers
  • terrace farming
  • shelter belts

What this note covers

  1. Core factsFoundation
  2. ExplainedStandard
  3. DeeperAdvanced
  4. Mains writingMains writing
  5. Common trapsFoundation
  6. Quick revisionFoundation

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