Soil Profiles:
Vertical classification of soil or layering of soil is called a soil profile. Soil profile plays a very important role in the development and distribution of flora and fauna.
In the matured soil; the following are 5 horizons the soil or in the soil profile.
- O: organic soils
- A; topsoil; Zone of Eluviation or leaching zone.
- B: Subsoil; Zone of Illuviation; Capillary action
- C: Weathered materials
- R/D; bedrock.
O; Organic Soil.
- surface litter and partially decomposed organic matter.
- Comprises of loose leaves and organic debris.
A: Top Soil
- It is the zone of Eluviatian. Leaching of dissolved nutrients happens from A horizon to B horizon.
- It is comprised of Humus, microorganisms, inorganic minerals.
- Dark colors show rich in organic matter.
- Light color shows the leached materials.
B; Subsoil
- It is the zone of Illuviation. Due to capillary action calcium and salt moves upward from warm B horizon to A Horizon.
- Iron, aluminum, and clay accumulated here from A and O Horizon.
C;
- Weathered parent's materials.
D/R;
- Underlying bedrock.
For a detailed explanation, watch the below video:
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