Soil Formation

Soil Formation

Soil is one of Earth’s most important natural resources. It forms over long periods from the breakdown of rocks and the remains of plants and animals. Soil supports plant growth, stores water, and provides a home for many organisms. The process of soil formation is slow and involves weathering, decomposition...

Soil, the top layer of Earth’s surface where plants grow, takes thousands of years to form. It develops as rocks and organic matter break down through weathering, climate effects, and biological activity.

Over time, weathering reduces rocks to tiny particles. For instance, mechanical weathering, caused by wind and water, breaks them apart,...