Pedosphere

Pedosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes. It exists at the interface of the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The pedosphere is the skin of the Earth and only develops when there is a dynamic interaction between the atmosphere (air in and above the soil), biosphere (living organisms), lithosphere (unconsolidated regolith and consolidated bedrock) and the hydrosphere (water in, on and below the soil).

Composition

The pedosphere is composed mainly of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. The size and arrangement of mineral particles determine the soil texture, while organic matter, derived from decayed plant and animal residues, gives the soil its dark color and helps it retain moisture.

Soil Formation

Soil formation is a complex process that involves weathering of rock and mineral deposits, decay of organic matter, constant mixing and movement by wind, water, and the activity of organisms. It takes hundreds to thousands of years for a fully functional pedosphere to develop.

Functions of the Pedosphere

The pedosphere has several important functions:

• It serves as a medium for plant growth, supplying roots with water and nutrients.
• It acts as a habitat for billions of organisms, contributing to biodiversity.
• It plays a crucial role in the water cycle, regulating runoff and recharging groundwater.
• It serves as a natural filter, cleaning water as it percolates through the soil.

Soil Types and Classification

There are many different types of soils, each with its own mix of characteristics. These are classified into various soil orders, including Alfisols, Andisols, Aridisols, and others. Each soil order is further divided into suborders, great groups, subgroups, families, and series.

Threats to the Pedosphere

The pedosphere is under threat from various human activities, including deforestation, overgrazing, urbanization, and climate change. These activities can lead to soil degradation, including erosion, compaction, acidification, and pollution.

File:Soil Orders Map of the United States.png

Soil Orders Map of the United States

See Also

• Soil science
• Soil conservation
• Soil fertility
• Soil erosion