Soil is the thin upper layer of the Earth’s surface that supports plant life and acts as a medium for vegetation growth. It is formed through a long process called weathering, where rocks break down due to physical, chemical, and biological factors. Temperature changes, rainfall, wind, and the action of organisms like plants and microorganisms contribute to soil formation. Over time, organic matter from decayed plants and animals mixes with mineral particles, creating fertile soil. The nature of soil depends on parent rock, climate, relief, time, and living organisms.