Which aspect of soil is most impacted by chemical weathering?

Chemical weathering primarily affects the mineral composition of soil. During this process, minerals within rocks and soils undergo chemical changes, leading to the breakdown of complex minerals into simpler forms or the formation of new minerals. For example, feldspar, a common mineral in granite, can be altered into clay minerals through hydrolysis, significantly changing the soil's mineral content over time.

As minerals weather chemically, they release essential nutrients that plants require for growth, thereby influencing soil fertility. The changes in mineral composition can also result in variations in soil properties, including pH levels, nutrient availability, and electrical conductivity. In contrast, aspects such as the physical shape of soil particles, soil color, and the amount of organic matter are not primarily altered through chemical reactions but are influenced by physical weathering, organic processes, and environmental factors. Hence, the core impact of chemical weathering directly correlates to the mineral composition of the soil.