Answer:
The nature of the parent material is essential to soil formation and type because it determines the chemical and physical properties of the soil. The parent material is the unconsolidated material from which soil is formed, such as rock, sediment, or organic matter.
The chemical composition of the parent material affects the mineral content of the soil. For example, if the parent material is rich in calcium, the soil will be alkaline, while if it is rich in iron, the soil will be acidic.
The physical characteristics of the parent material also affect soil properties such as texture and drainage. For example, if the parent material is fine-grained, the soil will have a fine texture, while if it is coarse-grained, the soil will have a coarse texture.
Furthermore, the type of parent material can influence the type of soil that is formed. For instance, soils formed from volcanic ash are usually fertile and well-drained, while soils formed from limestone are often alkaline and shallow.
In summary, the nature of the parent material plays a crucial role in determining the chemical and physical properties of the soil, which in turn influences the type of soil that is formed.