SOIL HORIZON Meaning and
Definition
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A soil horizon refers to a distinct layer or a series of layers in the soil profile that can be differentiated based on the various properties they exhibit, such as color, texture, structure, and composition. It is a fundamental concept in soil science that helps in the study of soil formation, classification, and interpretation.
Soil horizons are the result of long-term soil development processes and are typically arranged vertically, from the surface downward. Each horizon has unique characteristics and plays a crucial role in determining the overall properties and fertility of the soil.
The soil profile is usually divided into several distinct horizons, each labelled with a specific letter symbol. The most common horizons are represented by O, A, E, B, and C. These horizons are defined based on their physical and chemical properties, as well as their position relative to each other.
For example, the O horizon is composed primarily of organic matter, while the A horizon, also known as topsoil, is rich in organic material and contains a high concentration of minerals. The E horizon is characterized by leaching, which leads to a distinct loss of clay, iron, and organic matter. The B horizon, or subsoil, is commonly marked by the accumulation of materials leached from above. Lastly, the C horizon consists of unconsolidated parent material that has undergone minimal weathering.
Understanding the arrangement and properties of different soil horizons offers valuable insights into soil fertility, water-holding capacity, nutrient availability, and overall suitability for agricultural or environmental purposes.
Common Misspellings for SOIL HORIZON
- aoil horizon
- zoil horizon
- xoil horizon
- doil horizon
- eoil horizon
- woil horizon
- siil horizon
- skil horizon
- slil horizon
- spil horizon
- s0il horizon
- s9il horizon
- soul horizon
- sojl horizon
- sokl horizon
- sool horizon
- so9l horizon
- so8l horizon
- soik horizon
- soil horion
Etymology of SOIL HORIZON
The word "soil horizon" originates from the combination of two distinct terms: "soil" and "horizon".
1. "Soil" comes from the Old English term "sōl", which referred to the upper layer of earth that supports plant growth. This term is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*sōlą" and related to the Old Norse word "sôl" and Old High German "solo".
2. "Horizon" traces back to the Old French term "horizon" and the Latin word "horizon (orizōn)". Both words were used to refer to the line where the earth and sky appear to meet. "Horizon" itself comes from the Greek word "horizōn" (meaning "bounding line"), which is a combination of the elements "horos" (limit) and "aeirein" (to limit).
Similar spelling words for SOIL HORIZON
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