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What is soil profile? Explain the characters of different soil horizons.

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Soil is commonly stratified into horizons at different depth. These layers differ in their physical, chemical and biological properties. This succession of super-imposed horizons is called soil profile.

Horizon Description
O-Horizon (Organic horizon) Humus It consists of fresh or partially decomposed organic matter. O1 – Freshly fallen leaves, twigs, flowers and fruits. O2 – Dead plants, animals and their excreta decomposed by microorganisms. Usually absent in agricultural and deserts.
A-Horizon (Leached horizon) Topsoil – Often rich in humus and minerals. It consists of top soil with humus, living creatures and in-organic minerals. A1 – Dark and rich in organic matter because of mixture of organic and mineral matters. A2 – Light coloured layer with large sized mineral particles.
B-Horizon (Accumulation horizon) (Subsoil – Poor in humus, rich in minerals) It consists of iron, aluminium and silica rich clay organic compounds.
C – Horizon (Partially weathered horizon) Weathered rock Fragments – Little or no plant or animal life. It consists of parent materials of soil, composed of little amount of organic matters without life forms.
R – Horizon (Parent material) Bedrock It is a parent bed rock upon which underground water is found.

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