The physical, chemical and organic changes that take place in the exposed rock over a long period of time lead to formation of soils.
Following factors influence this process of soil formation:
1. Climate: Weathering depends on and is influenced by climate. It is the climate that causes disintegration of rock on account of differences in temperature and moisture.
2. Rock Types: Parent rock and its type determines the rate of weathering and erosion. For example, sedimentary rock may be disintegrated quickly as well as cause form action of soil and be a source of humus content in soil.
3. Vegetation: Roots of plants help in weathering. The vegetation also provide materials for decomposition and formation of soils.
4. Slope of land: Slope of land and general topography affect deposition and erosion of materials oi weathering. They may also form transported and residual soils.
5. Time: The changes that lead to formation of soil are spread over thousands to millions of years. The soils also undergo drastic changes with the passage of time.
