While the term "soil farming" isn't a standard scientific or agricultural term, the provided reference describes the fundamental processes of soil formation, also known as soil genesis. This answer will explain these key processes based on the information provided.
Soil isn't static; it's a dynamic system that develops over long periods through complex interactions between parent material, climate, organisms (including the biosphere), topography, and time. The processes involved in this development are collectively called soil formation or soil genesis.
The reference highlights that soil genesis is associated with the origin and development of the biosphere and identifies several fundamental processes.
Fundamental Processes of Soil Formation
According to the reference, the fundamental processes are accumulation of humus or decayed organic material, eluviation, illuviation and horizonation. These processes, along with others like weathering and translocation, work together to transform parent material into distinct soil layers called horizons.
Key Soil Formation Processes Explained
Here's a breakdown of the fundamental processes mentioned:
1. Accumulation of Humus
This refers to the build-up of stable organic matter in the soil. This process is closely linked to humification.
Humification
As stated in the reference, Humification is the process of decomposition of organic matter and synthesis of new organic substances. Microorganisms break down dead plant and animal material, transforming it into humus, a dark, stable organic substance crucial for soil fertility, structure, and water retention.
2. Eluviation (Leaching Out)
Eluviation involves the downward or lateral movement and removal of materials from an upper soil horizon. Water percolating through the soil dissolves or suspends substances (like clay, iron, aluminum oxides, or organic matter) and carries them away from this layer. This typically occurs in upper soil horizons, often designated as 'E' horizons.
3. Illuviation (Accumulation)
Illuviation is the complementary process to eluviation. It involves the accumulation of the materials that were removed from upper horizons (via eluviation) in a lower soil horizon. As the water carrying these materials slows down or evaporates, the dissolved or suspended substances are deposited, forming a zone of accumulation, often designated as 'B' horizons.
4. Horizonation
Horizonation is the overall process by which soil differentiates into distinct horizontal layers or horizons. These layers (O, A, E, B, C, R) develop as a result of the various soil-forming processes acting differentially at different depths. Horizonation leads to the formation of a soil profile, which is a vertical cross-section revealing these layers.
These fundamental processes, driven by environmental factors, are responsible for the unique characteristics of different soil types found across the globe.
Summary of Fundamental Soil Formation Processes
| Process | Description | Related to |
|---|---|---|
| Accumulation of Humus | Build-up of stable organic matter. | Organic decomposition, Soil fertility, Structure |
| Humification | Decomposition of organic matter and synthesis of new organic substances. | Creation of humus |
| Eluviation | Removal and downward/lateral movement of materials (clay, iron, etc.) from upper horizons by water. | Creation of 'E' horizons, Leaching |
| Illuviation | Accumulation of materials removed by eluviation in lower horizons. | Creation of 'B' horizons, Zone of accumulation |
| Horizonation | Differentiation of soil into distinct horizontal layers (horizons). | Formation of the soil profile, Layer development |
Understanding these processes is key to understanding how soils develop their physical, chemical, and biological properties, which in turn influence their suitability for various uses, including agriculture.
