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Each soil forms as a unique expression of five soil-forming factors (climate, vegetation, topography, parent material, and time) that work through soil processes. These soil processes can be considered in the following four groups: additions, losses, transformations, and translocations.

This multimedia website has been developed for postsecondary students enrolled in natural sciences courses that incorporate soil formation and classification. The specific learning objectives are to allow students to (1) identify major types of soil processes, (2) develop an understanding of the relationships between particular soils and the landscapes and ecosystems in which they function, and (3) relate soil formation to various management issues.

This project has been developed through a collaboration of members of the Virtual Soil Science Learning Resource group. Funding for this project was provided by the BCcampus Online Program Development Fund.

Click the Introduction button below to view a video introduction to The Virtual Soils Processes Project by Art Bomke of UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems and Kent Watson of Thompson Rivers University.

Citation Guideline:
In case that you would want to refer to this website in your manuscripts / reports, please use the following reference:
Krzic M., P. Sanborn, K. Watson, A.A. Bomke, C. Crowley, A. Doree, and S. Dyanatkar. 2008. Soil formation and soil processes. The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, University of Northern British Columbia, and Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops. [https://processes.soilweb.ca/]