Welcome to Soil Safari!
Embark on an adventure to explore the hidden world beneath our feet! Soil is more than just dirt—it’s a dynamic ecosystem teeming with life, nutrients, and history. From tiny microbes to minerals, every layer tells a story. Join us as we dig into the science of soil, uncover its secrets, and discover how it forms!
Soil development is shaped by CLORPT — S = f (cl, o, r, p,t) — Climate, Organisms, Relief, Parent Material, and Time. Climate influences weathering, organisms contribute organic matter, relief affects drainage, parent material provides minerals, and time allows these processes to shape the soil we see today. These factors team together to form what is known as a “soil profile” (see image below).
We hope this soil safari helps you to better understand the wonderful world of soil and the benefits this resource provides to humans and ecosystems!
Ah, fall break… back at your PARENT'S house, sitting in your childhood bedroom, reminiscing about how much they shaped who you are today. Well, much like your parents, the parent material of a soil serves as a foundation for that soil’s ongoing formation. Whether it's directly weathered BEDROCK, organic deposits, or glacially-transported materials, the way a soil looks and acts is inherited from it’s parent materials. Just like you, the soil’s journey starts with a strong base before growing and weathering over time. Parent materials truly ROCK!