The process of minerals moving downward through soils is called leaching.

Here's a breakdown:

* Leaching: The process where water dissolves minerals and carries them deeper into the soil profile. This can happen naturally due to rainfall or irrigation, and can be accelerated by human activities like excessive fertilization.

* Other factors: The rate of leaching depends on factors like soil type, rainfall amount, and the chemical composition of the minerals.

Let me know if you'd like to explore any of these factors in more detail!