Soil and Groundwater Pollution

Soil Formation Factors and

Processes

Pedogenesis
The process of soil formation as the result of

the combination of soil forming factors

leading to addition, loss, transformation
and translocation of materials
Slow--------------------------------------Fast
~ 1 cm/1000 yr
~ 30cm/50yr

Soil Forming Factors

Organisms

Topography

Time
Climate

Parent Material

Climate

Temperature
Rates of bedrock weathering
The activity of soil microorganisms
The frequency and magnitude of soil

chemical reactions
The rate of plant growth

Moisture
Controlled by precipitation and

evapotranspiration
High moisture availability in a soil promotes
the weathering, chemical reactions, and
plant growth
Also has an influence on soil pH and the
decomposition of organic matter

Living Organisms
-type of vegetation influences soil type
-sources of organic matter
-nutrient recycling
-vegetation prevents erosion

Topography
The land position and slope
Important for rate of runoff, erosion,

infiltration

Parent
Material

Determines texture, types of weathering,

mineral make-up

Time

How long soil has been exposed to

weathering and soil forming processes
influences soil properties

Soil Processes
Transformation
Translocation
Addition
Loss