What is Topography

The location of a soil on a landscape i.e., topography or relief of the land is an important passive factor in soil formation as it can affect the impact of climatic processes.  It influences soil formation through retention of water, drainage run off, soil erosion and microclimate i.e., exposure of land surface to the sun and wind.  If the rock is very steep its retention capacity is poor.  If ditches and holes are there, the capacity is more. Soils at the bottom of a hill will get more water than soils on the slopes, and soils on the slopes that directly face the sun will be drier than soils on slopes that do not. Further, mineral accumulations, plant nutrients, type of vegetation, vegetation growth, erosion, and water drainage are also dependent on topographic relief.