Dissolution

A chemical weathering process in which rocks and minerals are dissolved in water. The water molecules are positively charged on the hydrogen ions and negatively charged on the oxygen ion. The strong bonds which exist within a water molecule contributes to its ability to break apart, and bond with, many other molecules which may be present within the water solution, therefore dissolving the other molecule. Water is often referred to as the universal solvent due to its ability to dissolve many substances.

This process can result in an increase in available plant nutrients, an increase in leached nutrients, as well as a change in soil pH.