Final answer:
Soils with shale-derived parent material tend to have lower permeability and potentially higher organic content than those with sandstone-derived parent material. The specific chemical composition of the parent rock can influence soil characteristics such as pH, making it more acidic or alkaline.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing soils with shale-derived parent material to those with sandstone-derived parent material, we can expect some differences due to the distinct properties of these materials. Shales, being softer and often containing finer particles, usually result in a soil that may have lower permeability compared to soils derived from sandstone, which is typically more granular and gritty because of its sand and silt-sized particles.
While shale may have fine particles that can hold onto organic matter, resulting in potentially higher organic content, it is also more likely to compact and not allow water to pass through as easily as sandstone-based soils. Sandstone's larger particle size tends to create greater spaces within the soil, leading to higher permeability. However, the specific chemistry of the original rock, including the presence of minerals that react with acids or the composition of the sediments, can affect the soil's pH, whether making it more acidic or more alkaline. This is largely dependent on the specific types of shale or sandstone and the conditions under which they were formed.
In summary, soils with shale-derived parent material compared to those from sandstone-derived parent material tend to differ in properties such as permeability, and potentially, organic content and pH levels.