Which of the following is NOT a soil forming factor?

Pollution is not considered a traditional soil forming factor in the same way that time, climate, and parent material are. The primary soil forming factors typically include the following:

• Time: This is essential as it influences the degree to which soils develop and transform over geological periods. Soils evolve slowly, and the longer a soil has developed, the more complex its characteristics become.

• Climate: This greatly affects the physical and chemical weathering processes that contribute to soil formation. Temperature and precipitation influence organic matter accumulation, chemical reactions, and plant growth—all critical in forming soil.

• Parent Material: This refers to the mineral and organic material from which soil is formed. The type of parent material affects the soil's mineral content and texture, which, in turn, influences soil properties like drainage, nutrient availability, and fertility.

In contrast, while pollution can affect soil quality and health, it does not contribute directly to the soil formation process itself. Pollution is often a consequence of human activity and typically disrupts existing soils rather than forming new ones or altering foundational characteristics. Thus, it does not fit into the established categories of soil forming factors.