In which way do urban soils often differ from rural soils?

Urban soils are generally more disturbed due to significant human activity associated with development, construction, and land alteration in urban areas. This disturbance can lead to compaction, mixing of native soils with construction materials, and changes in soil structure and composition. The processes of excavation, grading, and the introduction of impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete greatly alter the natural soil profile.

In contrast, rural soils are often less influenced by these intense human activities, allowing them to maintain more of their natural structure and characteristics over time. While urban soils may show variations in organic content, drainage, and retention of natural attributes, the primary distinction remains the degree of disturbance they experience compared to rural soils.