How is soil formed?

Soil formation: Soil formation is a slow process. it takes thousands of years to form a very thin layer. Thickness of the soil is seldom more than one to three meters. beyond this depth, rocks do not have the elements necessary for plant growth. the right mix of minerals and organic matter the soil fertile. Soil is formed under specific naturals conditions. the quality of soil varies from place to place. soil also differs in colour, texture and fertility. The factors responsible for soil formation are as follows : 1. Parent Rock material. = underlying rocks which contain minerals and make up the bulk of the soil are called the parent rocks. parent rocks influence the colour, texture, chemical properties, minerals content and permeability of the soil. 2. Relief = The elevation and the nature of slope influence the rate of weathering and drainage of water. thus, flat areas have tichker layer of soil as compared to steep slopes. 3. Climatic conditions .= climatic condition exert both indirect and direct influence on soil formation. seasonal distribution of temperature and rainfall determine the type and effectiveness of weathering of rocks and humus formation. 4. Plant and animal organism. = plants and micro organism help to convert young soil into mature soil. dead plants provide humus which is consumed by others from of life, like bacteria. 5. Time = a body of soil is considered mature if the soil forming processes have acted over a sufficient period of time and the soil has developed a distinct soil profile. Hope it's help you .