Soil Layers Resource

soil

Layers

These are the different zones that form due to soil formation processes, such as the decomposition of organic matter, the weathering of rocks, and the action of living organisms.

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Bedrock (R horizon)

Horizon C (Parent material)

Horizon B (Subsoil)

Horizon E (Leaching zone or eluviation)

Horizon A (Surface soil)

Horizon O (Organic matter)

Horizon B (Subsoil)

It is a more compact layer, primarily composed of minerals leached from the upper layers (horizons A and E). It may contain accumulations of clays, iron, aluminum, and other compounds. It has a reddish-brown or yellowish color due toiron oxides.

Importance:

⚘ It is less fertile than horizon A, but it can serve as a nutrient reserve. ⚘ It is essential for water storage and anchoring deep roots.

Bedrock(R horizon)

It is the deepest layer of soil, formed by solid rock that has not undergone significant weathering processes. It constitutes the geological base of the soil.

Importance:

⚘ It serves as the original material from which the soil is derived throughweathering processes. ⚘ It does not harbor life nor directly intervene in soil fertility.

Horizon A(Surface Soil)

It is the layer below the O horizon. It consists of a mixture of organic matter and minerals. It has a dark color due to the presence of humus. It is the most fertile horizon and where the roots of manyplants develop.

Importance:

⚘ It is the most productive layerfor agriculture. ⚘ It houses most of the microorganisms that enrich the soil.

Horizon E (Leaching Zone or Eluviation)

It is a layer that can appear between horizon A and B. It is formed by minerals that have lost nutrients and organic matter due to a leaching process (the transport of soluble substances to deeper layers by water). It has a lighter color compared to theupper layers.

Importance:

⚘ Indicates the mobility of nutrients to deeper horizons. ⚘ Its presence is not always visible inall soils.

These have different physical, chemical, and biological properties, and their study is fundamental in areas such as agriculture, ecology,and geology.

Horizon C (Parent material)

It is composed of fragments of partially decomposed parent rock. It is the base of the soil, and its composition varies depending on the type of original rock (parent rock). It is denser and less chemically altered than the upper layers.

Importance:

⚘ Represents the origin of the soil, as this material forms the upper horizons. ⚘ Over time, it undergoes weathering processes and enriches theupper horizons.

Horizon O (Organic Matter)

It is the topmost layer of soil and is primarily composed of organic matter in various states of decomposition, such as leaves, branches, and animal remains. It may include humus, which is completely decomposed organic matter rich in nutrients.

Importance:

⚘ It is essential for soil fertility and supporting plant life. ⚘ It is where intense biological activity occurs due to microorganisms andsmall animals.