O Horizon: This is the uppermost layer, made up of organic matter like leaves, twigs, and decomposing plant and animal remains. It's often referred to as the "litter layer".
A Horizon: The topsoil, a mixture of mineral particles and organic matter. It's typically darker than lower horizons due to the organic content and supports plant growth.
E Horizon: This layer is often found beneath the A horizon and is characterized by the loss of minerals and organic matter. It's lighter in color than the A horizon and often has a sandy texture.
B Horizon: The subsoil, often rich in minerals that have leached down from above. It can have a variety of textures, colors, and structures.
C Horizon: This layer is made up of weathered parent material, the bedrock from which the soil was formed. It is less influenced by biological activity and often contains larger rock fragments.
R Horizon: The bedrock layer. This is the unweathered parent material from which the soil has developed.
Other horizons:
* S Horizon: A layer that is highly weathered and has a high content of iron or aluminum oxides.
* W Horizon: A layer that is a mixture of organic matter and minerals, often found in wet areas.
* G Horizon: A layer that is rich in organic matter and is often found in peat bogs.
Note: Not all soils have all of these horizons. The presence and development of horizons depend on factors such as climate, vegetation, and parent material.
