soil horizon
Noun: A soil horizon is a distinct layer within a soil profile, which is a vertical section of soil from the surface down to the parent material. Each horizon has unique physical, chemical, and biological properties (such as color, texture, structure, and composition) that differ from the layers above and below it. Horizons form over time through soil-forming processes like weathering, leaching, and the accumulation of organic matter.
The term soil horizon is used to describe and classify the stratified layers of soil for scientific study in geology, agriculture, and environmental science. - It is typically modified by a capital letter designation (e.g., O, A, E, B, C, R horizons) to indicate its specific type and position. - The plural form is soil horizons.
- Noun:
- The O horizon is the topmost soil horizon, primarily composed of organic matter like leaf litter.
- Geologists took a core sample to study the sequence of soil horizons at the site.
- The B horizon, or subsoil, often contains minerals leached from the layers above.
- "Master horizons": The major, capital-letter designated layers (O, A, E, B, C, R) that form the basic framework for soil description.
- The soil profile showed all the master horizons: A, E, B, and C.
- "Diagnostic horizon": A horizon used to classify soils in formal systems like USDA Soil Taxonomy.
- The presence of a thick, clay-rich argillic horizon is a key diagnostic feature.
- Horizon (n): In a general sense, a layer or level. In soil science, it is synonymous with soil horizon.
- Soil profile (n): The vertical arrangement of all the soil horizons at a specific location.
- Topsoil (n): Common term often corresponding to the A horizon.
- Subsoil (n): Common term often corresponding to the B horizon.
- Soil layer
- Stratum (in the context of soil)
- "To identify a horizon": To recognize and label a specific soil layer based on its characteristics.
- The student learned how to identify a horizon by its color and texture.
- "Horizon development": The process by which soil horizons form and become distinct.
- Horizon development is more pronounced in older, well-drained soils.
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a layer in a soil profile
