20/05/2025
Soil Profile: A soil profile is a vertical cross-section of soil, showcasing its different layers or horizons.
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These layers, also known as soil horizons, are distinct due to variations in their composition, structure, and appearance.
Key Components of a Soil Profile
Soil Horizons: The primary feature of a soil profile is the presence of distinct layers, or horizons, each with unique characteristics.
Parent Material: At the base of the profile lies the parent material, the bedrock or weathered rock from which the soil is formed.
Regolith: This includes all the weathered material above the parent rock, encompassing the soil profile.
Types of Soil Horizons:
O Horizon: This is the uppermost layer, rich in organic matter and often containing partially decomposed plant and animal remains.
A Horizon (Topsoil): Characterized by a dark color due to organic matter, this layer is where most plant roots grow and where biological activity is high.
B Horizon (Subsoil): Generally lighter in color and more clay-rich than the A horizon, it often has less biological activity but holds more moisture.
C Horizon: This is the layer of partially weathered bedrock, the parent material from which the soil is derived.
R Horizon (Bedrock): This is the solid, unweathered bedrock at the base of the soil profile.
Importance of Soil Profiles
Agriculture: The soil profile influences the availability of nutrients, water holding capacity, and root growth, all crucial for plant growth.
Forestry: Soil profiles are essential for understanding forest ecosystems and the suitability of different forest types to specific soil conditions.
Construction: Geotechnical engineers rely on soil profile analysis to assess the suitability of a site for building foundations and to predict potentials.
