Pedosphere

Definition

The pedosphere is the uppermost layer of the Earth's crust and is compromised entirely of soil layers. It is the hub that connects the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. [1] It is contained within Earth's critical zone, a larger concept including vegetation, groundwater sources, rock layers, and the pedosphere. All terrestrial life on Earth lives on or within the pedosphere.

Pedosphere depiction showing interface connections between the four subsystems.

Pedogenesis

The formation of the pedosphere, or pedogenesis, requires multiple factors, taking from the four different planetary subsystems, or spheres. The air above the soil, living organism interactions, water inside, on top of or below the soil, and unconsolidated, superficial rock deposits.