The Soil: Soil Profiles
Over time, the addition of organic matter to, and the leaching of materials from, the upper layers of soil,
and the weathering of parent material at depth, result in the development of a soil profile.
Soil profiles generally contain one or more recognizable layers or horizons.
Soil profiles may be either uniform (i.e. texture of the topsoil and subsoil the same),
gradational (i.e. texture changes gradually with depth) or show clear boundaries between layers.
The soil profile to the left, is a sandy podzol that has several distinct horizons.
This soil is acidic and low in available plant nutrients (its parent material is deep sand)
and normally supports either heathland or woodland vegetation.
Roll your mouse over the soil profile for a description of the various soil horizons...
