Five things about the make up of soil?

Answer 1

Soil is composed of five distinct horizons. In order from closest to the surface to farthest away from the surface, they are: the O Horizon, A Horizon, E Horizon, B Horizon, and C Horizon. The O Horizon - or "organic" horizon, is composed mainly of loose and partly decayed organic matter such as leaves and teems with microscopic life. The A Horizon is mineral matter mixed with some humus (the decayed remains of animal and plant life). Together, the O and A Horizons make up what is known as topsoil. Below the A Horizon is the E Horizon, which is made up of light colored mineral particles. It contains little organic matter. The B Horizon is an accumulation of clay transported from above as water percolates through the upper horizons. The B Horizon is also known as "subsoil". The O, A, E, and B Horizons are collectively called "Solum", or "True soil". The C Horizon is partially altered parent material. Although this material is undergoing changes that will eventually turn it into soil, it still possess most of the characteristics of the bedrock underneath and has not crossed the boundary that separates regolith from soil.