Soil Genesis and Development

Soil Genesis and Development, Lesson 1 - Rocks, Minerals, and Soils

This lesson identifies some common rocks and minerals and how they influence soil formation.

Soil Genesis and Development, Lesson 2 - Processes of Weathering

This lesson identifies the factors of weathering processes and how they influence soil formation.

Soil Genesis and Development, Lesson 3 - Soil Forming Factors

This lesson identifies the five major soil forming factors and discusses how they influence soil development.

Soil Genesis and Development, Lesson 4 - Soil Profile Development

This lesson discusses the processes controlling soil formation and how these processes relate to the characteristics of a soil profile.

Soil Genesis and Development, Lesson 5 - Soil Classification and Geography

This lesson discusses the characteristics of the 12 soil orders defined by the USDA soil classification system, the major factors involved with their formation, and their geographic distribution across the USA and the world.

Soil Genesis and Development, Lesson 6 - Global Soil Resources and Distribution

This lesson discusses soil resources and functions at the global scale.

Soil Genesis and Development, Scenario 1 - Agroecosystem Soil, Food and Fiber

This case study addresses how soil formed in different geographical locations of the world influences food and fiber production.

Soil Genesis and Development, Scenario 2 - Biosolid Addition and Soil Formation

This case study addresses where geographically soil addition of municipal organic wastes occurs and how this addition affects soil profile development and the use of soils as a sustainable resource.

Soil Genesis and Development, Scenario 3 - Soils and Salts

This case study addresses how soil formed in different parts of the landscape influences productivity in the broad sense, of both economic and non-economic flora and fauna.