Soil Profile
ClayClay is a soft material that is made up of lots of minerals and is rich in alumina, silica and water.
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SiltSilt may occur as sediments mixed with water in a river or lake. It might also be seen as soil deposited at the bottom of a lake or river.
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SandSand is a loose granular material that you can find on beaches and is part of the soil profile. The most common material in sand is silicon dioxide in the form of quartz.
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There is a lot of detail in the soil that is below us (what we stand on). There are layers that we call horizons. There are 5 layers. The layer on the very top is called the O horizon. The layer on the very bottom is called bedrock. The layer beneath the top is called the A horizon and is also called the topsoil. Below that is Horizon B which is also known as the subsoil. Then there is the C horizon which is parent material.
O Horizon - Dark in color and has a lot of decomposed leaves, organic matter and humus.
A Horizon - This layer is very soft and crumbly. It is very rich in humus and nutrients and has a little bit of clay.
B Horizon - This layer is very hard and compact, roots extend in this layer. Ther are also many minerals.
C Horizon - Slightly weathered rocks lay here. The is much less soil and more big fat rocks.
Bedrock - This is the very last layer and consists of compact unweathered compact rocks.
O Horizon - Dark in color and has a lot of decomposed leaves, organic matter and humus.
A Horizon - This layer is very soft and crumbly. It is very rich in humus and nutrients and has a little bit of clay.
B Horizon - This layer is very hard and compact, roots extend in this layer. Ther are also many minerals.
C Horizon - Slightly weathered rocks lay here. The is much less soil and more big fat rocks.
Bedrock - This is the very last layer and consists of compact unweathered compact rocks.