(a) Explain any four processes of soil formation
(b) In what four ways is soil important?
Explanation
(a) Processes of Soil Formation: Soil formation takes place over a long period of time and it involves the mixture of inorganic mineral water, organic water, liquid substances, gaseous substances, and living organisms. It begins with the production of inorganic mineral matter from parent materials and also involves accumulation or organic substances. Other processes include movement of weathered products in the form of clay particles, colloids or solutions and plant nutrients through soil profile as well as action of living organisms
(b) Importance of Soil;
(i) Food for micro-organisms
(ii) Medium for plant growth
(iii) Source of materials
(iv) Support for plants
(v) Habitat for macro and micro organisms