Question

Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?

Answer 1

Hint: The evolution of soils and their properties is called soil formation, and pedologists have identified five main soil formation processes that affect soil properties.

These five 'state variables' are parent material, topography, atmosphere, species, and time.

Complete answer:

Soil is a dynamic medium in whichmany chemical, physical and biological activities go on constantly. Soil is a result of decay, it is also the medium for growth. It is a changing and developing body. It has many characteristics that fluctuate with the seasons. It may be alternatively cold and warm or dry and moist. Biological activity is slowed or stopped if the soil becomes too cold or too dry. Organic matter increases when leaves fall or grasses die.

Soil formation or pedogenesis depends first on weathering. It is this weathering mantle

(depth of the weathered material) which is

Two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation are:

A. Climate

B. Parent material

Climate influences soil composition because it determines the amount of water required for processes such as mineral weathering, mineral distribution, and the release of elements.

Climate also affects the temperature of the soil, which influences the extent of chemical weathering.

Climates that are wet and humid promote the vigorous growth of plants. This leads to a high degree of organic matter production. In this sort of environment, the decomposition of organic matter is also accelerated. Cold and dry conditions have an inverse effect on plant growth and decomposition.

Different temperatures help to break down organic plant material by freezing, thawing, wetting, and drying processes. In the case of wetting, precipitation induces leaching, which dissolves minerals such as carbonates in the soil. Then the rain washes them further into the dirt.

The parent material consists of both organic and mineral material, where the soil starts to develop. The material where soil formation occurs has a direct impact on the type of soil that is formed and the length of time it takes for the soil to grow. Living organisms consist of native plants, fungi, bacteria, and burrowing animals which contribute to the production of the soil. Topography, also known as landscape location, induces localized changes in the area's surrounding precipitation and temperature. This includes factors such as the steepness, form, and slope of the region that affect the flow of rainwater into or out of the soil.

In simple words, we can say that temperature and rainfall, which are also features of climate and Parent material, are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation.    

Note: The study of soil is called pedology. In the wine-growing field, pedology enables wine-growers to research the growing capacity of the soil on their land and to establish terroir profile objectives dependent on the characteristics of the soil.