How does climate affect development of soil?

Answer 1

When the climate is very dry, few plants if any can grow in the soil. Such soils can not be enriched by decaying plant matter and also can not be stabilized by the roots of plants. The result is that the soils are blown about by the wind and broken down even further into fine sand particles in the process -- forming the basis of a typical desert.

When the climate is moderately wet, however, plants can grow and the soils become enriched with humus and are fertile.

When the climate is too wet and there is not enough drainage to carry away the surplus rain water, soils can become acetic and marshy so that, again, only certain plants can survive there.

Answer 2

Climate affects the development of soil by influencing the rate of weathering, decomposition of organic matter, and the distribution of water in the soil profile. In areas with high temperatures and rainfall, soil development tends to be faster due to increased chemical weathering and organic matter decomposition, resulting in deeper and more fertile soil. In contrast, arid climates can lead to slow soil formation and the presence of shallow, less developed soils.