Question

Define soil horizon. Briefly describe six soil layers. Using Figure 4-25 on p. 73 in the text, compare soil profiles of five important soil types.

Answer 1

A soil horizon is a layer within the soil profile that has distinct physical and chemical properties. The soil profile consists of four main layers: the O horizon (organic matter), the A horizon (topsoil), the B horizon (subsoil), and the C horizon (soil base). The topsoil is considered the A horizon, while the subsoil is considered the B horizon.

Step-by-step explanation:

A soil horizon is a layer within the soil profile that has distinct physical and chemical properties. The soil profile consists of four main layers: the O horizon (organic matter), the A horizon (topsoil), the B horizon (subsoil), and the C horizon (soil base). The O horizon contains freshly decomposing organic matter, the A horizon is rich in organic material and weathered products, the B horizon is an accumulation of fine materials that have moved downward, and the C horizon includes the parent material and broken-down organic and inorganic materials. The topsoil is considered the A horizon, while the subsoil is considered the B horizon.