Soil formation, or pedogenesis is a complex combination of processes with one or several being dominant depending upon the influence of environmental factors. Evaporation exceeds precipitation, but the soil profile is moist at some time during the year. Ca is adsorbed by plant roots and stored. When the plant dies soil fauna and flora decompose the tissue, recycling the Ca in soluble form. Biomass turnover is rapid and soil Ca supply is maintained.
Little translocation takes place in the profile and the soil remains fertile.
This soil-forming process is termed calcification . This process is common in regions characterized by cool temperatures, high humidity supporting forest vegetation. Because of the high rainfall, leaching of salts from the profile occurs. Few bases are absorbed by tree roots and the soil becomes acidic from the production of orgainc acids during the decomposition of organic matter. Iron, aluminum and other inorganic materials become soluble in the upper profile and are translocated to a lower horizon.