Dynamic soils

Soil characteristics and processes are dynamic and may change distinctly during pedogenesis. Rather rarely, soil evolution occurs only progressively. Phases of stagnation or regression can be observed. Under undisturbed conditions, the soils evolve by showing mostly a humped to exponential function. With time, rates of soil production, erosion, and soil organic matter sequestration strongly decrease. With aeolian additions, this trend is more linear owing to a constant rejuvenation of the soil material. Soil formation is strongly governed by the availability of water and infiltration rate. More recently, the link between soil formation and the Earth's water cycle has become clearer with the recognition that in situ weathering rates are mostly flux-limited.