Pedogenesis

Soil formation (pedogenesis or genesis) can be illustrated using the example of ecological theatre and the evolutionary play proposed by Hutchinson (1965). Soil forming factors can be envisioned as setting the stage or conditions for soil formation – the ecological theatre. The play that is enacted within the theatre is the processes that interact over time to modify the original solum. When we dig a soil pit, we peek into a moment taken from the play and view the imprint of all that has occurred up to that moment. Human intervention in the play can be either as actor or co-director, re-defining the plot and changing the scope of the theatre.

Soil formation factors and processes combine to affect the overall soil body, which is recognized and described as a pedon. The resulting soil properties (thickness, color, texture, structure, chemical properties of horizons) are used to classify the soil. These properties, in combination with other land attributes and economic considerations, may be used to interpret soil suitability for particular uses. Monitoring soil changes through selected attributes (so called soil quality indicators) should be carried out periodically to determine soil quality and to provide feedback into management practices, so that the role of “director” in the evolutionary play is carried out responsibly. Also review Soil Quality.

Reference

Hutchinson , G.E. 1965. The ecological theater and the evolutionary play. Yale Univ. Press, New Haven , Connecticut .