The soil formation process is generated from top to bottom, producing variations of composition, consistency, texture and color in different layers. A soil profile is a provision of parallel layers with each other and parallel to the topographic surface, as a result of the soil formation process. Each soil layer is called a soil horizon and can be identified by differences in composition, texture, humidity content, structure, color, etc. of mineral or inorganic particles and organic matter. In this ecology article, we will tell you what they are, the Structure of soil horizons and their factors.
What are the horizons of the soil and their structure
Soil horizons are distinctive layers that are formed naturally over time in the Earth surface. These layers are composed of different materials and have specific characteristics that distinguish them from each other. Each soil horizon can reveal clues about the geological history and environmental conditions of the area in which it is located.
The formation of soil horizons is influenced by a Variety of complex and interrelated factors. These factors include biological processes, such as the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms and the activity of the roots of plants, as well as climatic factors, such as precipitation and temperature. In addition, physical processes, such as erosion and sedimentation, also play an important role in the formation of soil horizons.
Over time, these factors work together to shape the layers of the groundgenerating unique characteristics on each horizon. Some horizons may contain high levels of decomposition organic matter, which makes them rich in nutrients and suitable for agriculture. Other horizons may be dominated by minerals and be less fertile. The presence of different soil horizons can affect the water retention capacity, aeration, soil structure and nutrient availability for plants.
In a soil profile, you can see up to five different horizons, although not all types of soil exhibit the five. Younger soils have fewer horizons and are badly distinguished, while The most mature floors have a greater amount of horizons. The profile of a mature soil typically consists of the following horizons:
- Horizon 0
- Horizon a
- Horizon e
- Horizon b
- Horizon c
- Horizon r
Do not miss this article about what organic and inorganic matter and examples are.
Horizon 0
Horizon 0 consists mainly of decomposition plant materialsas leaves, and therefore, is classified as a superficial horizon. Its relevance is greater in forested areas, since there you can accumulate a greater volume of plant matter. On the contrary, in other areas, horizon 0 can be extremely thin or not exist at all.
Horizon a
Horizon A is the upper soil layer And that is where The roots of the pastures are firmly established. Sometimes, this layer is darkened by a horizon layer 0. Bioturbation can occur in this section of the soil. This layer of arable soil is composed of a combination of clay and sand particlesand it is usually thin. The horizon typically has a dark tone due to the presence of humus or decomposition organic matter, although mineral matter is the main component.
Horizon e
The horizon is characterized by the lack of organic matter and a light color due to the process of eluviation, leaching or vertical washing. As it enters the soil, a layer of organic matter, iron, aluminum or clay is generated. The structure is often underdeveloped and sometimes completely absent.
Horizon b
Horizon B lacks humus, resulting in a lighter coloration (which can also take tones of brown or red). This is due to absence of organic matter. The sediments and materials of the upper horizons (0, A and E) are transported and deposited in this horizon. These materials may include clays, oxides and metal hydroxides, salts, carbonates and several other substances. Is Iron oxide richwhich has accumulated through the transport of more soluble materials from the upper horizon through the water. The characteristics of the same are determined by the composition of the substances that have gathered.
Horizon c
Horizon C is a layer that Mark the transition to the rock bed. As one deepens the ground, this layer becomes less altered until it is indistinguishable from the mother rock. Horizon C is composed of Mechanical weathering fragmentsincluding thick pebbles, sand and clay. It is also the recipient of the solutions that water transports from the upper layers.
Horizon r
This is the Roca underlying mother that remains intact and unhappy and serves as the basis for the rest of the profile. It may not necessarily be the rock bed of the ground and could only partially represent a paleosol.
Factors that affect the soil profile
- The weather: It is one of the main factors that affects the soil profile. The temperature and the amount of precipitation influence the speed of decomposition of organic materials, mineral leaching and the formation of soil structures. Soils in warm and humid regions tend to have a greater organic decomposition and nutrient washing, which can result in thinner and less fertile soils. On the other hand, cold and dry regions may have deeper and more rich soils in organic matter due to lower decomposition and leaching.
- The relief: Play an important role in the formation of the soil profile. The slope of the land influences erosion and sediment accumulation. On the slopes of the mountains, the soils tend to be thinner due to erosion caused by the gravity and runoff of water. On the other hand, in flat areas or in depressions, sediments can accumulate and give rise to deeper soils.
- Living organisms: As plants, animals and microorganisms also play an essential role in the formation and development of the soil profile. Plants’ roots help break the rocks and generate spaces for water infiltration and soil aeration. In addition, the activities of the decomponing organisms contribute to the formation of organic matter and nutrients available for plants.
- The rock or sediment not altered from which the soil is formed: The mineralogical and chemical composition of parental material determines the chemical and physical characteristics of the resulting soil. For example, soils derived from rocks rich in minerals such as feldspar may have a higher nutrient content, while soil derived from calcareous rocks can have a more alkaline pH.
Now that you know the structure of soil horizons and their factors, do not miss these articles on soil conservation: importance, techniques and practices and types of soils and their main characteristics.
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