Parent Material

Parent material can be any in-situ or on-site weathered rock debris or transported deposits. Soil formation depends upon the texture, structure as well as the mineral and chemical composition of the rock debris. Nature, rate and depth of weathering are important considerations under parent materials. There may be differences in soil over similar bedrock and dissimilar soils

above them. Generally young soils or the lowermost horizon shows similarity with the parent material. Ultimately, parent material’s effect is seen through the texture and fertility. For instance, soils of limestone area show clear relation with the parent rock.