Soil Horizons Flashcard

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What is the R Horizon?

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The R Horizon, also known as the bedrock layer, is the unweathered rock layer beneath the soil horizons.

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What is the A Horizon?

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The A Horizon, commonly referred to as topsoil, is the uppermost layer of soil that is rich in organic material and nutrients.

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What is the B Horizon?

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The B Horizon, also known as subsoil, is the layer of soil beneath the A Horizon that accumulates minerals leached from the upper layers.

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What is the C Horizon?

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The C Horizon consists of weathered rock and soil material that is in the process of forming into soil.

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles through exposure to elements like water, air, and temperature changes.

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What is erosion?

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Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another, often by wind, water, or ice.

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What is the O Horizon?

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The O Horizon is the topmost layer of soil, primarily composed of organic matter such as decomposed leaves and other plant material.

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What role does the A Horizon play in agriculture?

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The A Horizon is crucial for agriculture as it contains the nutrients and organic matter necessary for plant growth.

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How does the B Horizon differ from the A Horizon?

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The B Horizon is denser and contains more minerals, while the A Horizon is richer in organic material and supports plant life.

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What is the significance of the C Horizon in soil formation?

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The C Horizon provides the parent material from which soil is formed, influencing the soil's mineral content and characteristics.