The original rock material that breaks down to form soil is called parent material.

This parent material can be:

* Bedrock: The solid rock layer that lies beneath the soil.

* Sedimentary rock: Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments.

* Igneous rock: Formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock.

* Metamorphic rock: Formed from the transformation of existing rocks due to heat and pressure.

The type of parent material will significantly influence the composition and characteristics of the resulting soil.