Soil profile
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A soil profile is a cross section through the soil which reveals its horizons (layers).
[edit] Soil horizons
Soil generally consists of visually and texturally distinct layers, which can be summarized as follows, from top to bottom:
Image:Soil profile.png
- O) Organic matter: Litter layer of plant residues in relatively undecomposed form.
- A) Surface soil: Layer of mineral soil with most organic matter accumulation and soil life. This layer eluviates (is depleted of) iron, clay, aluminum, organic compounds and other soluble constituents. When eluviation is pronounced, a lighter colored "E" subsurface soil horizon is apparent at the base of the "A" horizon.
- B) Subsoil: Layer of alteration below an "E" or "A" horizon. This layer accumulates iron, clay, aluminum and organic compounds, a process referred to as illuviation.
- C) Substratum: Layer of unconsolidated soil parent material. This layer may accumulate the more soluble compounds that bypass the "B" horizon.
[edit] References
- Ritter, Michael E. (2006). Soils: Soil Profiles. The Physical Environment: an Introduction to Physical Geography.. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.
- A Soil Profile. United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resource Conservation Service. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.
- Soil Profiles in Europe. Joint Research Centre.de:Bodenprofil
