When soil is cut vertically different layers are seen called horizons which are named A ,B ,C etc.
its called a horizon horizon
The first layer of soil is called the O Horizon, it is made of primarily humus. The second layer is the A horizon, this is the topsoil. Then there comes the E layer which is the eluvation layer. Next comes the B horizon which is the subsoil, then there is the C horizon which is the regolith, then the final layer is the R layer which is bedrock.
soil horizons determine the age of the soil
The soil horizon that has the darkest and richest soil is usually the topsoil layer, known as the A horizon. This layer contains a high amount of organic matter and nutrients, making it ideal for plant growth.
The last layer of soil to form a horizon is called Horizon C. This layer is often referred to as the parent material, as it is made up of weathered rock fragments that have not yet fully decomposed into soil. Horizon C is the layer closest to the bedrock and has the least amount of organic matter.
The A horizon.
horizon A
A Horizon
The A horizon is the top layer of soil, where most organic matter accumulates and plant roots grow. The R horizon is a layer of partially weathered bedrock underneath the soil layers. The A horizon develops from the weathering of the R horizon over time.
Most organisms in soil are found in the top layer of soil, known as the O horizon (organic matter horizon) or the A horizon (topsoil). This layer is rich in organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms that support plant growth and decomposition processes.
The C horizon is the layer of a soil profile that forms first from the bedrock. It is the underlying layer that contains weathered rock fragments and shows the least amount of soil development.
The three major soil horizons are A horizon (topsoil), B horizon (subsoil), and C horizon (parent material). The A horizon is the top layer that contains organic matter and nutrients, the B horizon is the layer below that is richer in minerals, and the C horizon is the weathered rock or sediment from which the soil forms.