Parent Material and Soil Physical Properties

Synonyms

Mantle rock; Soil parent rock

Definition

Parent material. The unconsolidated and more or less chemically weathered mineral or organic matter from which the solum of soils is developed by pedogenic processes (Glossary of Soil Science Terms, 1987; Resource Conservation Glossary, 1982; Soil Taxonomy, 1976).

Physical properties (of soils). Those characteristics, processes, or reactions of a soil that are caused by physical forces and that can be described by, or expressed in, physical terms or equations (Glossary of Soil Science Terms, 1987; Resource Conservation Glossary, 1982; Soil Taxonomy, 1976).

Introduction

Soil was formed as a result of long-term and complex transformations of its mineral matter called parent material. Primordial, abiotic factors such as properties of the parent material, relief, climate, and time played a key role during the first stage of these transformations. In the course of the second phase, the results of the primary factors became intertwined with...