Question

Describe soil profile in brief with a neat and labelled diagram.

Answer 1

Soil profile is the layers of soil found as we go deeper into the ground. It consists of the following three layers, called horizons, that are lettered A, B and C:

(a) A-Horizon (Topsoil): The topmost layer of the soil (also known as topsoil) that is very soft, porous and dark in colour is called A-Horizon. It has good water-retention capacity and roots of many plants absorb water from this layer. This layer contains a lot of humus that is required to make the soil fertile.

(b) B-Horizon (Subsoil): The layer below the topsoil (also known as subsoil) that is hard, compact and grey is called B-Horizon. Subsoil contains mostly sand particles and very little organic matter.

(c) C-Horizon: The layer beneath the subsoil (also known as parent rock) that is made up of rocks and stones is called C-Horizon. This layer contains minerals but no organic matter. The layer beneath C-Horizon is solid rock and is known as bedrock.