pedogenezis

Pedogenesis, or soil formation, is the process by which soils develop from their parent material through the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes over time. It transforms rock and mineral material into a structured soil profile with distinct horizons and properties that support plant and microorganism life.

Five soil-forming factors govern pedogenesis: climate (temperature and precipitation), biotic activity (plants, animals, microorganisms), relief or topography (shape of the landscape), parent material (the original rock or sediment), and time. Together these factors influence weathering, organic matter accumulation, horizon development, and the movement of minerals and water within the soil.

Pedogenic processes include weathering of minerals, oxidation-reduction reactions, leaching of soluble components (eluviation), accumulation of clays, oxides, and organic matter (illuviation), and horizon differentiation into O, A, E, B, and C layers. Over time, soils develop a characteristic profile with horizons reflecting degrees of weathering, organic enrichment, and mineral translocation. The rate and direction of pedogenesis vary with climate, vegetation, and substrate, producing soil types ranging from bare mineral soils to deeply weathered tropical soils.

Pedogenesis underpins soil classification schemes and land-use planning. Understanding soil formation helps in assessing fertility, drainage, erosion risk, and suitability for agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure. Soils are classified by properties that reflect their pedogenic history, such as horizon composition, mineralogy, and moisture regime, rather than only their current use.

Anthropogenic activities, including agriculture, deforestation, pollution, and urbanization, can accelerate or disrupt pedogenic processes and alter soil development trajectories.