B HORIZON Meaning and
Definition
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The B horizon is a distinctive layer in the soil profile, commonly found underneath the topsoil (A horizon) and above the C horizon. It is a subsoil layer characterized by distinct physical and chemical properties that distinguish it from the overlying and underlying layers.
Physically, the B horizon typically contains a higher concentration of minerals and is denser compared to the A horizon. It often has a lighter color due to the leaching of clay, iron, and other materials from the upper layers. The particles in the B horizon are typically more compact and tightly packed, with less organic matter compared to the topsoil.
Chemically, the B horizon tends to have an accumulation of nutrients such as clay, iron, aluminum oxides, and organic matter that have leached from the A horizon. This accumulation usually occurs as a result of water movement through the soil, which carries minerals downwards. The presence of these substances in the B horizon can significantly impact the soil's fertility and ability to retain moisture.
The formation of the B horizon usually takes several decades or even centuries, as it is a slow process. Factors such as climate, parent material, vegetation, and time play significant roles in the development and characteristics of the subsoil layer.
Understanding the properties and composition of the B horizon is crucial for soil scientists, agronomists, and farmers, as it allows for the assessment of soil fertility, drainage capabilities, and overall soil health.
Common Misspellings for B HORIZON
- bhorizon
- v horizon
- n horizon
- h horizon
- g horizon
- b gorizon
- b borizon
- b norizon
- b jorizon
- b uorizon
- b yorizon
- b hirizon
- b hkrizon
- b hlrizon
- b hprizon
- b h0rizon
- b h9rizon
- b hoeizon
- b hodizon
- b hofizon
- b hotizon
Etymology of B HORIZON
The term "B horizon" is used in geology and soil science to refer to a subsurface layer of soil. The "B" stands for "Basis", indicating that it is formed from the action of weathering and other soil-forming processes on the underlying parent material or the layers above it.
The term "horizon" in this context comes from the field of soil science, where it refers to distinct layers or zones of soil material. These horizons are differentiated based on various properties such as color, texture, structure, and composition.
The etymology of the word "horizon" comes from the Greek term "horizōn", which means "the bounding line", particularly referring to the apparent line separating the Earth and the sky. The word was later adopted into Latin as "horizon", and eventually passed into English, retaining its original meaning.
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