Understanding Soil Profiles

What is a soil profile?

• A horizontal section of soil

• A list of soil nutrients

• A vertical section of soil from the surface to the bedrock

• A diagram of soil types

How do the physical characteristics of soil layers differ?

• By pH level

• By moisture content

• By color and texture

• By temperature

Which layer is rich in organic material and decomposed substances?

• Layer A

• Layer E

• Layer C

• Layer B

What gives Layer O its dark brown or black color?

• Presence of minerals

• Presence of humus

• Presence of water

• Presence of sand

What is the function of Layer E in the soil profile?

• It is the topmost layer

• It is a transition between topsoil and subsoil

• It is the bedrock

• It contains the most organic matter

Which layer is known as the zone of deposition?

• Layer C

• Layer B

• Layer A

• Layer O

Which layer is devoid of organic matter and consists of broken bedrock?

• Layer B

• Layer O

• Layer A

• Layer C

What is the main characteristic of the bedrock layer?

• It is the topmost layer

• It is rich in humus

• It is full of organic material

• It is compacted and cemented

What does the soil profile diagram illustrate?

• The vertical sequence of soil layers

• The chemical composition of soil

• The horizontal spread of soil

• The biological activity in soil

What is the difference between a soil profile and a soil catena?

• A soil profile is a list, a soil catena is a diagram

• A soil profile is horizontal, a soil catena is vertical

• A soil profile is vertical, a soil catena is horizontal

• A soil profile is a diagram, a soil catena is a list