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This chapter explores the formation and development of soil, introducing key concepts such as pedon, polypedon, and soil series. It discusses how weathering of rocks—both physical and chemical—contributes to soil formation. The chapter identifies three primary types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) and outlines five essential soil-forming factors: parent material, climate, living organisms, topography, and time. Additionally, it describes how soils change in response to environmental conditions, leading to distinct soil horizons and profiles, which can be classified using master horizons and their subdivisions.
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INTRO TO SOILS – CH 2 Soil Origin and Development
THE SOIL BODY • Pedon – smallest body which can be called a soil • Three-dimensional • Typically extends down to depth of plant root
THE SOIL BODY • Polypedon – two or more contiguous pedons • Form a Soil Series • Soil Series are the lowest official category in the soil taxonomy
THE SOIL BODY • Weathering of rocks and minerals forms pedons • Two types of weathering: • Physical weathering • Chemical weathering Eventually, a layer of young soil develops
THE SOIL BODY • Three types of rock: • Igneous • Sedimentary • Metamorphic
THE SOIL BODY • Five (5) Soil Forming Factors • Parent Material • Climate • Living Organisms (plant and animal) • Topography • Time
THE SOIL PROFILE • Soils change in response to their environment • Four processes of change: • Additions • Losses • Translocations • Transformations
THE SOIL PROFILE • As a soil ages these changes lead to formation of horizontal layers known as: • Soil Horizons These horizons may be exposed when digging into the soil revealing the: • Soil Profile
THE SOIL PROFILE • Master Horizons: • A, B, C • O, A, E, B, C, R Coded layers of horizon with distinct characteristics Not all horizons will always be present!
THE SOIL PROFILE • Subdivisions and Suffixes may further define the master horizons • e.g. AB, Ap, Bt, Bky See Appendix 3 for suffix explanations