Describe the dominant soil-forming processes associated with the four different soils

in area 110 (map unit HrVa2). Outline which soil-forming factors are of greatest
significance in controlling the distribution of the soils across the landscape and the
relative intensity of the processes you have identified
Brown soils formed in a mixture of loamy glacialy till and shallow, silty lacustrine
materials underlain by glacial till
Mainly orthic Haverhill soils, with calcareous Haverhill soils on knolls, orthic valor
soils on lower slopes, and poorly drained soils in depressions
Landscape is one, addition of organic matter and sediments, (aerial and fluvial
deposits ) , parent material
Area 110 represents hummocky surface forms where brown soils form in a mixture
of loamy glacial till, shallow and silty lacustrine sediments underlain by a glacial till.
The dominant soil-forming processes associated with the four different soils in area
110 are determined by many factors such as parent material, landscape
topography, translocation of materials, and movement of water and wind.
Parent material is the initial soil forming process and the accumulation of parent
material determines the type of rocks and sediment in which the soil forms. Parent
material is an important soil forming process because it influences the amount of
water soil can hold or infiltrate which can lead to water erosion. Minerals in the soil
are also dependent on the parent material as they vary in their resistance to
weathering. Minerals are important source of nutrients in a soil as they weathered
overtime. Area 110 shows the parent materials are of glacial and lacustrine origin.
Topography influences the soil distribution and the vegetation found in the area.
Landscape topography affects the water distribution in the area which can form
different soils in the uplands and lowlands areas. Steep slopes can lead to water
runoff therefore drier conditions on the higher elevations. Water runoff leads to
wetter conditions on the lowlands. The orientation of topography and the exposure
to sun determines the vegetation in an area. South facing areas commonly have
more vegetation compared to north facing areas. The areas need to be undisturbed
for soil to form which can take place as a result of vegetation.
Translocation is one of important soil forming processes in hummocky landscapes
due to the physical movement of soil in any direction from and to any horizon. Wind
can transport material from one place to another which sometimes results in wind
erosion in some areas. Sand dunes are usually formed in hummocky landforms due
to lack of vegetation and as a result of wind erosion.
Water and wind are primary agents in soil forming processes that many factors are
dependent upon such as the movement of parent material from the source. Water is
also crucial to plant growth as it provides nutrients from the soil. Water also plays

an important role in physical and chemical weathering of material in the soil.

Freezing and thawing during cold periods determines the soil structure and the
translocation of material within a soil. In hummocky landforms, due to the relief
water the area is more susceptible to runoff. In the lowland areas, the soil is poorly
drained so the pores are filled with water. Air is also an important factor in plant
growth as some plants take oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. The supply of oxygen
has to be constantly replenished and this is the importance of adequate pore spaces or aeration within
the soil. Air and water has a reciprocal relationship in soil forming processes. As water moves out of
the pore space, the pore space is filled with air.

110HrVa25-4hI-$I1MA2DsvS24(7)TM5(3)TWD21C1-N43
W3KSGO2652.5
HcVa2
Slope class 5-4
Land form - h
Surface texture l sl
Salinity 1MA
Irrigation 2dsv
Stone class S2
Ph D2
Wind erosion 4
Water erosion- 3
Past eros- w3k
Sand gravel sg0
Acrage 2652.5