Soil formation is controlled by the following factors:

I. Parent material

II. Topography

III. Climate

IV. Biological activity

V. Time

Which of the above are active factors?

Key Points

• Climate (III) plays a significant role in soil formation by influencing the weathering of parent material, organic matter decomposition, and soil moisture content.
• Biological activity (IV) includes the actions of microorganisms, plants, and animals that contribute to the formation and development of soil.
• These active factors (III and IV) directly affect the processes that lead to the creation and alteration of soil profiles.
• Other factors such as parent material, topography, and time are considered passive as they do not directly engage in soil formation processes but set the conditions under which active factors operate.

Additional Information

• Parent Material
  • Parent material refers to the original matter from which the soil develops, such as bedrock or sediments. It influences the mineral composition and texture of the soil.
• Topography
  • Topography refers to the landscape's slope and elevation, affecting water drainage, erosion, and the distribution of soil materials.
• Climate
  • Climate encompasses temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations, playing a crucial role in the rate of weathering, organic matter accumulation, and soil moisture levels.
• Biological Activity
  • Biological activity includes the actions of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. These organisms contribute to the decomposition of organic matter and the formation of soil structure.