Soil Horizon

It is a distinct layer within soil which differs chemically and/or physically from the layer below or above. It is a layer of soil which lies more or less parallel to the surface and has fairly distinctive soil properties (Fig. 6.2).

Loose leaves undecomposed Organic, partially decomposed Mixed mineral and organic, much biological activity A light coloured horizon less organic matter

Maximum silicate clay material Weathered parent material Consolidated rock

Fig. 6.2 Soil Profile and Soil Horizons

O A E

B C R