SOIL SCIENCE I
SURNAME & INITIALS: MOYO N
ASSIGNMENT NO: 01
THE FIVE SOIL FORMING FACTORS
1. Parent material
❖It is the initial material from which the soil develops, such as rocks,
sediments, or organic matter.
❖This factor contributes towards soil formation, by providing the
foundation for the formation of soil, influences soil texture, structure,
and mineral content/composition
2. Climate
❖It involves temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns that
significantly affect the soil.
❖This factor contributes towards soil formation, by influencing soil
moisture, temperature, and organic matter composition , which
involves chemical weathering as the parent material to be broken
down into smaller particles to release nutrients, encouraging nutrient
availability and microbial activity.
3. Topography
❖It is also referred to as the shape and slope of the land
❖This factor contributes towards soil formation, by affecting waterflow
and erosion
❖Since steep slopes experience greater erosion, it leads to thinner soils
with less organic matter, which affects the thickness of the soil,
texture, and the distribution of nutrients.
❖Conversely, flat areas tend to accumulate more organic matter and
have deeper soils.
4. Organisms
❖Organism refer to living things like plants, animals and
microorganisms interacting with the soil.
❖Plant roots break up rocks, add organic matter, and contribute to
nutrient cycle.
❖Animals, such as earthworms and insects, improve soil ventilation
and drainage. Microorganisms decompose organic matter.
❖This factor contributes towards soil formation, by influencing soil
structure, fertility and nutrient cycling.
5. Time
❖The duration over which soil-forming processes occur.
❖It is essential factor as it contributes towards soil formation, by
allowing for the gradual development of soil properties, like
weathering, leaching, and horizon formation, resulting in mature and
well-developed soils.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CLAY AND SANDY
SOILS
i. Water holding capacity
❖Clay soils have a much higher water holding capacity than sandy
soils. This is because clay particles are much smaller than sand
particles, which allows them to hold more water.
❖While sandy soils have a much lower holding capacity due to the
large particle size and low surface area, leading to quick water
drainage.
ii. Particle size
❖ Clay soils have much smaller particles than sandy soils, clay particles
are less than 0,002 mm.
❖While sand particles have a large particle size between 0,05 mm and
2 mm in diameter.
iii. Erosion
❖Clay soils are much less exposed to erosion than sandy soils, because
of their nature and ability to hold water.
❖While sandy soils are much more exposed to erosion due to their
loose structure and inability to hold water.
iv. Permeability
❖Clay soils are much less permeable than sandy soils. This is because
the small particles of clay soils are packed together, leaving very little
space for water to flow through.
❖While sandy soils are much more permeable due to their large
particles that allow for quick water infiltration and movement.
SOIL PROFILE
❖A soil profile is a vertical cross-section of the soil, which is made of
layers running parallel to the surface, the layers are known as soil
horizons.
SOIL PROFILE
❖O-HORIZON
The O-horizon also known as the organic horizon, is the top layer of the
earth surface that consists of surface litter such as fallen leaves,
branches, and roots. It is high in nutrients and microorganisms , and it
is typically found at the soil surface.
❖A-HORIZON
The A-horizon also known as top soil, is rich in organic matter,
nutrients, and microorganisms. It is dark in color due to high organic
matter content. The organic humus in the A-horizon aids in holding
water and nutrients, making it the most fertile layer.
CONTINUATION…..
• E-HORIZON
E-Horizon also known as the eluviation horizon, is the subsurface/zone
of leaching, where minerals and nutrients are removed. It is typically
pale/light in colour, and it is found below the A-horizon.
• B-HORIZON
The B-horizon also known as the subsoil, accumulation of minerals and
nutrients leached from the A-horizon. It may contain clay, silt, or sand,
and it has less organic matter than A-horizon.
CONTINUATION.....
• C-HORIZON
The C-horizon also known as the parent rock/substrate, is composed of
weathered rock or sediment, it may contain some organic matter. It
influences soil structure and drainage.
• R-HORIZON
R-horizon also known as the bedrock, is the unweathered rock
underlying the soil profile. It is impermeable and resistant to root
growth.
PROCESS AND BENEFITS OF TAKING SOIL
SAMPLES IN MODERN AGRICULTURE
• Process of taking soil samples
Soil sampling is a crucial practice in modern agriculture, providing
valuable insights into soil health and fertility, enabling farmers to make
informed decisions about crop management and optimize yields.
The process involves collecting representative soil samples from
different areas of a field, analysing them in a laboratory, and
interpreting the results to understand the soil’s composition, nutrient
levels, pH, and other important parameters
CONTINUATION.....
• Benefits of taking soil samples
• Soil Fertility Management: Soil sampling helps determine nutrient
levels, pH, and other soil properties, enabling targeted fertilizer
application.
• Crop Selection: Soil sampling informs crop selection based on soil
suitability, reducing the risk of crop failure.
• Soil Conservation: Soil sampling helps identify erosion-prone areas,
allowing for implementation of conservation measures.
• Environmental Protection: Soil sampling monitors soil pollution and
heavy metal levels, ensuring environmental sustainability.
CONTINUATION.....
Techniques/methods of taking soil samples
• Random Sampling: Collecting samples randomly across the field.
• Grid Sampling: Dividing the field into a grid and collecting samples at
regular intervals.
• Zone Sampling: Sampling based on soil type, topography, or crop
zones.
• Depth Sampling: Collecting samples at different depths to analyse soil
profiles.
Equipment used for soil sampling
• Soil Auger
• Soil Probe
• Shovel or Trowel
• Sampling Tubes
• GPS and GIS technology
