Soil horizons are layers that develop over time due to the interaction of climate, organisms, topography, parent material, and time. Each horizon has a unique combination of color, texture, structure, and chemical composition.
Here are the main soil horizons:
* O Horizon: The uppermost layer, composed of organic matter like leaves, twigs, and decaying plant and animal material.
* A Horizon: The topsoil, rich in organic matter and minerals, often dark in color.
* E Horizon: A layer that has been leached of minerals and organic matter, often light in color.
* B Horizon: The subsoil, enriched with minerals and clays leached from the A and E horizons.
* C Horizon: The parent material from which the soil developed, often weathered rock.
* R Horizon: The bedrock underlying the soil profile.
Understanding soil horizons is crucial for determining soil fertility, water holding capacity, and other important properties.
