Importance of Studying Soil Profile

What is Soil Profile?

The soil profile is a vertical cross-sectional view of the soil strata present in a certain area. Naturally occurring strata that run parallel to the ground’s surface are known as soil horizons. On exposure, different soil horizons become visible. Every horizon differs from other horizons in physical or chemical properties. Usually, a soil profile is examined down to a depth of around five feet. The soil at the top of the cross-section is always dark, whereas the soil below seems to be lighter in colour....

Formation of Soil

Soils are porous natural bodies made up of organic and inorganic matter and are the structural and functional basis of terrestrial ecosystems. They are created by the interaction of the Earth’s crust with atmospheric, geological, climatic, and biotic elements. Soils develop in the form of layers. These layers are called soil horizons. Soil formation is an extremely slow process. Thin soil layers typically take thousands of years to form....

Factors Affecting Soil Formation

Five main factors that affect the formation of soil and produce an infinite variety of soils are:...

Layers of Soil

The differences between each soil horizon layer and the layers above and below it may range from very little to significant. Every horizon reveals information about that layer’s age, composition, texture, and other characteristics. The layers are divided into three categories: topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock. Soil differentiation and land-use potential are determined by horizon features....

Soil Profile Diagram

Below is a diagram of the layers of the Soil profile:...

Importance of Studying Soil Profile

The study of the soil profile is crucial because it serves as a historical record of all the processes that have formed the soil and serves as the foundation for pedagogical research. The thin layer of material that covers the surface of the Earth is called soil, and it is created as rocks weather. It is mostly composed of organic and mineral-based components, water, air, and living things, all of which interact slowly yet continuously. The majority of plants are the primary source of food for people, animals, and birds and receive their nutrients from the soil. Therefore, soil is essential to the existence of the majority of land-dwelling organisms....

FAQ’s – Soil Profile

1. What makes up a Soil Profile?...