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Origin of Soil
• The mineral grains that form the solid phase of a soil aggregate are
the product of rock weathering. The size of the individual grains varies
over a wide range. Many of the physical properties of soil are dictated
by the size, shape, and chemical composition of the grains. To better
understand these factors, one must be familiar with the basic types of
rock that form the earth’s crust, the rock-forming minerals, and the
weathering process.
• On the basis of their mode of origin, rocks can be divided into three
basic types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The formation
cycle of different types of rock and the processes associated with
them is called rock cycle.
ROCK CYCLE
Igneous Rock
• Most of the potassium ions released are carried away in solution as potassium carbonate is
taken up by plants.
Sedimentary Rock
• The deposits of gravel, sand, silt, and clay formed by weathering may
become compacted by overburden pressure and cemented by agents
like iron oxide, calcite, dolomite, and quartz. Cementing agents are
generally carried in solution by groundwater. They fill the spaces
between particles and form sedimentary rock. Rocks formed in this
way are called detrital sedimentary rocks.
Metamorphic Rock