Soil Composition/Soil Profile

Front

What is soil?

Back

A loose mixture of rock particles, organic material (humus), water, and air that supports the growth of vegetation.

Front

What is the top layer of soil called?

Back

Topsoil, which is rich in organic material and supports most plant life.

Front

Which horizon contains organic material?

Back

Horizon O (Humus) is the layer that contains organic material.

Front

What is the subsoil layer known as?

Back

The subsoil layer is known as Horizon B.

Front

What does the B Horizon consist of?

Back

The B Horizon usually consists of clay and other particles leached down from the A Horizon.

Front

What is humus?

Back

Humus is the dark organic material in soil formed from the decay of plant and animal matter.

Front

What is the role of soil in the ecosystem?

Back

Soil provides nutrients, water, and a medium for plant roots, supporting the entire ecosystem.

Front

What is the parent material in soil?

Back

Parent material is the underlying geological material from which soil horizons develop.

Front

What is the bedrock?

Back

Bedrock is the solid rock layer beneath the soil layers.

Front

What is loam?

Back

Loam is a type of soil that is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, ideal for growing plants.