O Horizon: This is the uppermost layer, composed of organic matter such as leaves, twigs, and decomposing plant and animal remains. It's often dark in color and loose in texture.
A Horizon: This is the topsoil layer, rich in minerals and organic matter. It's usually darker than the lower layers due to the accumulation of humus, which is decomposed organic matter. This layer is essential for plant growth.
E Horizon: This layer is a zone of eluviation, meaning that minerals and organic matter are leached out and transported down to lower horizons. It's typically lighter in color than the A horizon and may be sandy in texture.
B Horizon: This is the subsoil layer, where minerals and organic matter leached from the E horizon accumulate. It's often denser than the A horizon and can be reddish, yellowish, or brown in color depending on the minerals present.
C Horizon: This is the parent material layer, consisting of weathered rock fragments that give rise to the soil above. It's typically less weathered and less developed than the layers above.
R Horizon: This is the bedrock layer, composed of solid, unweathered rock. It's the bottommost layer and often not directly exposed.
Note: Not all soil profiles have all of these horizons. The presence and development of horizons depend on factors such as climate, vegetation, and parent material.
