Soil Horizons Explained

Learn the difference between soil profile and the soil horizons. The soil horizons are the horizontal layers of the soil. The layers are o a e b c r.
O horizon also called litter is composed of dead leaves, twigs, sticks, fallen trees The O horizon is thin in some soils, thick in others, and not present at all in others.
A horizon also called topsoil Contains rich organic matter along with some minerals. This layer contains decomposers. The decomposers perform the task of breaking down plants and animals. The remains of these plants and animals create a mixture called humus which is a dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays
E horizon also is known as the Eluviated layer as water moves down the soil substances are removed and pulled out in this layer resulting in a concentration of sand and silt particles composed of quartz or other resistant materials This layer may be missing in some soils

B horizon Subsoil Lighter in color, many times reddish or brownish in color because it has less humus it is a zone of accumulation where materials like clay collect from the movement of water downward.

C horizon Parent material this layer contains much of the material that the soil was originally made from. It will contain rock fragments
Weathering breaks down this parent rock into smaller and smaller pieces of rock This layer is most often light in color

R bedrock rock A mass of rock such as granite, basalt, quartzite, limestone or sandstone that forms the parent material for some soils

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