The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Soil formation (pedogenesis) is influenced by five major factors: parent material, topography, climate, biological activity, and time. Time is considered a passive control factor that dictates the extent to which other factors operate to develop the soil profile.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Time determines the maturation of soil and the development of its profile. A soil that has been exposed to pedogenic processes for a longer duration tends to have well-differentiated horizons (layers), indicating a mature profile.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Soils developing from recently deposited alluvium or glacial till are considered young or immature. They have not had sufficient time for the soil-forming processes to create distinct horizons or a fully developed profile.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The rate of soil formation varies significantly depending on the nature of the parent material, climatic conditions, and topography. Therefore, no specific or absolute length of time can be fixed for soils to develop and mature universally.
Key Takeaway:
Time acts as a maturation factor in pedogenesis; longer durations lead to distinct horizon differentiation (mature soils), whereas recently deposited materials result in immature soils with undefined profiles.