Soil formation, also known as pedogenesis, is the process by which soil is created and developed over time. It involves a combination of physical, chemical, and biological factors interacting with parent material (such as rocks and organic matter) to form soil. Factors such as climate, topography, vegetation, and time all play a role in the formation of soil, leading to the development of distinct soil profiles or horizons. Soil formation is a complex and dynamic process that can take thousands to millions of years to occur, and understanding it is crucial for agricultural, environmental, and geological research.