Abiotic Factors

in Ecosystems
Living Organisms in the Environment
Abiotic Factors
The abiotic factors in ecosystem include physical components such as :
1. Climatic conditions- temperature, humidity, sunlight and rainfall
2. Topography- the physical shape of the land
3. Aquatic factors- water salinity, oxygen concentration and pH
4. Edaphic factors- soil and its components
Abiotic Factors
Abiotic factors are important in determining the types and numbers of
organisms that exist in a given environment
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Define the term soil
• Explain how soil is formed
• Describe the components of soil
• State the importance of soil
• Name the three (3) types of soils
• Describe at least three (3) properties of each soil type
• Determine the water retention capability of the three (3) types of soil
What is Soil?
• Soil is the accumulation of tiny particles of rock which are formed
when rocks are weathered.
OR
• Soil is a mixture of inorganic rock particles, water, air, mineral salts,
organic matter and living organisms including plant roots, small
animals and micro- organisms.
How is soil formed?

• Weathering : The breaking of

rock into smaller pieces.
• Mechanical Weathering: Physically breaking rocks into
smaller pieces without chemicals.
• There are many agents that cause mechanical
weathering

• Water
• Ice
• Pressure
• Wind
• Temperature changes
Chemical Weathering: Chemical reactions with other
substances dissolve rock materials.
• Chemical weathering is caused by…
• Chemicals such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide
which forms acid rain which reacts with mineral in the
rocks causing it to break apart.

• Oxidation- oxygen in the air will react with some

components in the rock in oxidation reactions casing the
rock to break apart too.
Why is soil important?
1. Soil provides organisms living in it with water, oxygen, nitrogen and
mineral nutrients.
2. Habitat for many organisms
3. Supports and anchors plant roots