What is meant by soil profile? Explain.
What is meant by soil profile? Explain.
The soil profile is the term used for the vertical section of the earth crust to the depth of 1.83 meters. It shows different layers or horizons of soil for the study of soil in its undisturbed state. It consists of the following layer:-
1) O- horizon or surface litter:- is the region of freshly fallen leaves, organic debris and partially decomposed organic matter.
2) A- horizon or topsoil:- is the region of partially decomposed organic matter (humus), plant roots, living organisms and some inorganic minerals.
3) E- horizon or zone of leaching:- is the area through which dissolved or suspended materials move down.
4) B- horizon or subsoil:- dark coloured and often an accumulation of iron, aluminium, humic compounds and clay leached down from the above layers.
5) C- horizon or parent material:- where partially broken inorganic materials are found.
6) R- horizon or bedrock:- is the impenetrable layer, percolated soil water tends to collect at the surface of the bedrock.
The soil profile is the term used for the vertical section of the earth crust to the depth of 1.83 meters. It shows different layers or horizons of soil for the study of soil in its undisturbed state. It consists of the following layer:-
1) O- horizon or surface litter:- is the region of freshly fallen leaves, organic debris and partially decomposed organic matter.
2) A- horizon or topsoil:- is the region of partially decomposed organic matter (humus), plant roots, living organisms and some inorganic minerals.
3) E- horizon or zone of leaching:- is the area through which dissolved or suspended materials move down.
4) B- horizon or subsoil:- dark coloured and often an accumulation of iron, aluminium, humic compounds and clay leached down from the above layers.
5) C- horizon or parent material:- where partially broken inorganic materials are found.
6) R- horizon or bedrock:- is the impenetrable layer, percolated soil water tends to collect at the surface of the bedrock.
