pedosphere

The pedosphere is the outermost, soil-influenced layer of the Earth that forms the interface among the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. It encompasses soils and the processes that create and modify them. The pedosphere extends from the land surface downward to the depth where soil formation ceases, and it is a dynamic, variable layer shaped by climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time.

It consists of soil material arranged in horizons, containing mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. Pedogenic processes such as weathering, humification, leaching, illuviation, and the activities of organisms produce characteristic horizons and properties. Soil texture, structure, porosity, pH, nutrient status, and organic carbon content reflect the balance between inputs and outputs in a given environment.

The pedosphere provides essential ecosystem services. It supports plant growth, cycles and stores nutrients, regulates water infiltration and runoff, buffers contaminants, and stores carbon. Its biodiversity and physical structure influence gas exchange with the atmosphere and habitat availability for many organisms.

In earth system science and related fields, the pedosphere is studied to understand soil formation across climates and landscapes, model nutrient and water cycles, and assess land-use impacts. Human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, and pollution alter pedogenic processes and soil health, highlighting the importance of sustainable soil management.