Soil layers: what is the difference from each other and the structure in the context in order

Any soil, regardless of its location zone, has a certain structure. There are several main layers of soil, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics. They have a complex chemical composition. To assess the fertility and structure of the soil, it is recommended to consider in detail the distinctive features of each layer.

The process of soil formation: why is fertility different everywhere?

The formation of soils on Earth has gone through several stages. Initially, the rocks were destroyed. This happened under the influence of temperature fluctuations, water and wind. Small rocks formed the primary minerals in which organics settled.

The first settlers were mosses and lichens. Microorganisms also belonged to this category. As a result of their vital activity, the structure of the soil has changed, and it has become suitable for the development of higher plants.

The next stage of soil formation depended on the climate - temperature parameters, humidity. The more favorable the conditions, the faster and easier the subsequent process was. It's no secret that soils form faster in the south than in the north.

This process also depends on the terrain. The slopes are not able to completely absorb water, and it flows down, which leads to stagnation. As a result, the soil on the slopes and in the lowlands has a completely different structure, and therefore differs in the degree of fertility.

What is the topsoil called?

Soils have different layers that differ in structure.They are called horizons. The surface fertile layer is called humus. Soil fertility depends on its thickness and composition. Improper use of soil and violation of the rules of agricultural technology provokes the destruction of the humus layer, which leads to erosive processes and negatively affects the structure of the soil.

The composition of the surface components of the soil depends on the work of living organisms. The remains of plants and animals act as their living environment. The top layer includes several horizons:

1. Mulching - contains plant and animal remains. These include grass, insects, and other small organisms. This layer protects seeds and pre-root fragments of plants.
2. Biohumus - the thickness of this layer is 20 centimeters. The horizon contains organic matter. They are made up of vegetation and animals that are processed by worms and insects. This layer contains a maximum of nutrients and minerals.
3. Mineral - Considered a true source of minerals for deep rooted plants. The horizon is formed over several years. During this time, it accumulates mineral elements that remain after prolonged transformations of organic and inorganic matter.
4. Humous - provides special processes of biosynthesis. Due to chemical reactions, combustible gases fill the humus horizon. They act as sources of heat and energy.

Soil structure in section

To determine the type of soil and its structure, it is required to study its layers in order. The composition of the layers is always visible on the soil section. To do this, you can use ready-made ditches and pits, or make a rectangular recess yourself.

Organogenic horizons

An organic horizon is a soil surface, the nutrient content of which exceeds 30%. These include litter-peat, peat, humus, euthorphon-peat layers. The listed layers can be up to 50 centimeters thick.

Eluvial

These formations are characterized by a light color and a light granulometric composition. They are located under the humus layer. Eluvial layers are formed under the influence of soil processes. They are podzolic, humus-eluvial, eluvial-metamorphic, subeluvial.

The items listed are usually white or gray in color. Their thickness reaches 20-25 centimeters. The lower elements of these layers do not have a clear structure. They abruptly move into the next layer.

Illuvial

This soil horizon has a fairly dense structure. Compaction occurs due to the washing into the structure of various substances from the upper layers of the soil. The horizon contains a large number of colloidal elements and sesquioxides of aluminum and iron. They are considered highly toxic to plants. The thickness of this layer reaches 50-150 centimeters.

The high density of the indicated horizon and the presence of ferrous elements disrupt the development of the root system and prevent its full respiration. To improve the layer structure, deep loosening is required using special tools. Also for this, manual digging of the earth is suitable. It should be layered.

Metamorphic

Such layers are formed in the average humus-free soil layer. Their thickness is 15 centimeters. The horizon can be merged, ferallitic-metamorphic, siallitic-metamorphic, fragipan.

Hydrogen-accumulative

This thickness can appear in any soil. It is presented in the form of crystals, nests or veins. Hydrogen-accumulative horizon is gypsum, saline, carbonate. Nodules and ferruginous varieties are also found.

Cow

This term refers to dense connections in the surface layer of the soil that are not accessible to the root system of plants. They are located at a depth of 30 centimeters and have a capacity of 10 centimeters. At the same time, there are different types of such layers - desert shell, plinth, laterite. Also isolated siliceous, carbonate, gypsum and s alt crust.

Gley

This term refers to the earth mass, in which reduction processes are observed that form ferrous compounds. This layer is located at a depth of 25 centimeters.At the same time, its thickness exceeds 50 centimeters. Such forms usually have bright colors with a bluish tinge. These layers do not contain oxygen, but water circulates in them all the time.

Subsoil

This term is understood as the rock in which the subsoil layer is formed. There are such structures:

1. Parent rock - soil forms on it. This layer is denoted by the letter C.
2. Underlying rock - located under the parent rock and has unique properties. It is denoted by the letter D.

Soil profile example

Thicknesses of the earth are distributed in this order:

1. Horizon A - is considered the highest. It contains plant remains and the remains of microorganisms. This layer is designated A0. In reservoir A1, there are organic particles that have partially decomposed, and inorganic substances.The A2 sequence is characterized by leaching of s alts and organic elements.
2. Thickness B - is a zone of accumulation of nutrients.
3. Thickness C - it includes the parent rock.

The soil has certain layers, each of which has its own characteristics. To determine the structure and fertility of the soil, it is important to study in detail all its layers.

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