The interplay of these four soil processes result in the reorganization of soil elements into visually, chemically, and/or physically separate strata known as horizons. Five soil horizons exist: O, A, E, B, and C. (The letter R denotes bedrock.) Within a soil, there is no predetermined sequence for these horizons. Certain soil profiles have an A-C combination, while others contain an O-E-B, an O-A-B, or just an O. Certain profiles may include all horizons, O-A-E-B-C-R. Additionally, certain profiles, such as an A-B-E-B, may contain many variants of a single horizon. There are certain generic conceptions about how soil layers evolve over time; they are summarized here. However, owing to the unpredictability of natural processes across geologic time, generalized concepts are sometimes unnecessarily broad. Understanding the geomorphic history of the region under investigation aids in deciphering the landscape history revealed by the soils.
The B-Horizon is sometimes referred to as the subsoil; it has some resemblance to the E horizon. It is often referred to as the zone of highest accumulation of leached substances such as iron, aluminum oxides, and silicate from the A and E horizons. It is also referred to as the illuviation zone due to the collection of mineral particles, organic matter, and chemical compounds in the lower layers of soil as a consequence of water flowing downhill. The B-horizon contains far less organic materials and significantly more clay than the A-horizon. The term "solum" refers to the combination of the A, E, and B-horizons. This is the location of the majority of plant roots. C-Horizon- The C-horizon is also known as the substratum or zone of parent materials; it contains a large number of weathered parent rocks and also contains materials created from the top soil and sub soil. The C-horizon lacks the features of the O, A, and B-horizons due to its lower effect on soil formation processes.
The letter E refers to the master horizon, which lies underneath all soil strata. It is found exclusively in wooded areas. The dirt is pale in color. The letter E is an abbreviation for eluviated horizon. This is where the dissolved particles from the A- Horizon travel. 4. B-Orientation:
âOâ stands for organic. This layer is the topmost layer of soil that is rich in organic materials, such as plant and animal remnants. This layer is often black brown or dark brown in color due to the strong organic content. The O horizon is very thin in certain soils, quite thick in others, or completely missing in others. 2) A Prospect â (Topsoil)
