Forming Factors and Layers or Soil

Horizons Soil
is a heterogeneous natural object consisting of solid, liquid and gas components that have dynamic
properties. Soil is an unconsolidated mineral on the earth's surface that serves as a natural medium for the
growth of flora and fauna on land.

Factors Affecting Soil Formation

● Climatic factors such as rainfall and temperature are very important factors in the process of soil
formation. The level of rainfall and high temperatures in the tropics cause chemical reactions to
run quickly so that the weathering and washing processes run quickly. As a result, many soils in
western Indonesia experience advanced weathering, low nutrient levels, and acidic soil pH.
Whereas in the dry eastern part of Indonesia, soil washing does not run intensively so that the soil
pH is alkaline.

● organism. The role of organisms in the process of soil formation is very large. The accumulation
of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and the formation of a stable soil structure are strongly
influenced by the activities of organisms in the soil. In addition, nitrogen in the soil can be bound
by microorganisms. both living alone in the soil or in symbiosis with plants.

● Parent Material. The types of rock that are the parent material for soil formation include igneous
rock, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock.

● topography. Topographic factors affect the process of soil formation in the following ways.
a. Affects the amount of rainwater that seeps in.
b. Affects the depth of groundwater.
c. Affects the level of erosion.
d. Directs the movement of water along with the materials dissolved in it.
Soil properties related to topography include
a. solum thickness,
b. organic matter content in the A horizon,
c. soil water content, soil
d. color,
e. horizon development level,
f. soil pH reaction, and
g. salt content that is easily soluble in the soil.

● Time. Soil is a natural object that is constantly changing. Due to weathering and continuous
washing of the soil, the soil is getting old. Due to the continuous process of soil formation, the
parent material of the soil changes into young soil, mature soil, and old soil.
Soil
Layers The soil layers are also known as soil horizons. The soil horizon is distinguished as follows.

a. Horizon O
Horizon consists of various organic materials such as the remains of leaves and the remains of plants and
animals. The layer is found on the top soil surface, but can also be buried

b. Horizon A
Horizon A consists of tropical or topsoil, which is dark organic matter mixed with mineral grains due to
the activities of organisms. Dissolved fine particles will be carried to the bottom due to washing and
displacement of clay grains

c. Horizon E
Horizon E horizon consists of a subsurface layer that has lost most of its mineral content. This layer is
often attached to the A horizon or replaces it.

d. Horizon B
In this layer, particles and clay leached from the E horizon accumulate. There is very little organic matter
in this layer.
e. Horizon C
Harizon is the lowest soil layer consisting of soil parent material, such as weathered bedrock or sediment
that has not been solidified.

f. Horizon D and R
Horizon is a soil base consisting of rock that is very solid and has not undergone weathering.

REFERENCES

https://www.ngehuleng.my.id/2022/08/faktor-yang-mempengaruhi-pembentukan.html
https://www.ngehuleng.my.id/2022/08/lapisan-tanah.html