Soil Formation

This text deals with qualitative and quantitative aspects of soil formation (or pedogenesis) and the underlying chemical, biological and physical processes. The starting point of the text is the process - and not soil classification. Effects of weathering and new formation of minerals, mobilization, transport and breakdown or immobilization of dissolved and suspended compounds are discussed. Soil processes and profiles are examined in relation to the landscape, the geosphere and the biosphere. Emphasis lies on the universality of soil-forming processes in past and present and on the soil as a dynamic entity that forms part of the total environment. Complexity of genetic processes in time and space is given much attention. The text includes a number of questions and problems which guide the reader through the subject matter. Answers to all questions are included.