EVOLUTION OF THE SOIL

 Physical weathering of bedrock, that is, the

fragmentation of rocks dueto temperature, wind and
water.
 Chemical weathering, in which the rocks are dissolved
in water-soluble minerals and nutrients. Clay, asthe
main soil compositionis formed.
 Biological phase of soil formation. lower and higher
organisms settlle in the physical and chemical detritus
and after decomposing create the mold..
Climatic factor
 Temperature: indicates how much energy comes to the
surface, and towhat extent and for how long physical
and chemical processes assist intheformation
ofthesoil, and determines to what plants can live in the
soil.
 Rainfall:determinesthe amount and form of water
comingtothesurfaceand thus indirectly the weathering
conditions, aswellasaffectstheplantsonthesurface.
 Wind:indirect effect isincreasingof evaporation and
transpiration, whilethe direct effect of deflation,
namelysoil degradation caused by the wind.
topography
 •Determine the surface and subsurface water
movements, material and energy flow processes. They
play a role in modifying the impact of climatic and
geological factors. e.g. with increasing altitude
temperature decreases, while rainfall increases;

It affects the erosion, i.e. soil degradation caused by

water;
+ Human activities
 alter the impact of the natural factors prevailing in
soil formation.
 correctly applied interventions: Increases fertility,
 faulty management: may reduce, or even ruin the soil,
(e.g. environmental pollution: →soil acidification,
releases ,etc. )
Reference
Environment Center of the Philippines Foundation,
199g. Environment and Natural Rcseurccs At]as of the Phjlippines, 395
pp. Philippines. Ohkura. T., and R. Carating, (eds.), 1996. Manual on the
Preparation of Soil Monolith, SRDC Technical Information Se ries 2i 1 7,
Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippincs. Soil survey stafT; 19S 1. Soi[ Survey Manual, 503 pp. United
States Department ofAgriculture. Wlishington. Soil survey stafL 1999. Soil
Taxonomy-A Basic System efSoil Classification for Making and lnterpreting
Soil Sunreys, 437 pp. Unitcd States Department ofAgriculture, National
Resources Conservation Serx,ice. Washington,