Soil Orders Flashcards
What is the diagnostic horizon?
a layer whose properties meet criteria specified
for purposes of classification
What is the O layer?
The layer organic horizon above mineral layer
What is the A layer?
The layer darkened by OM, coarse texture
What is the E layer?
The zone of maximum leaching, eluviation of clay, oxides
What is the B layer?
The zone of illuviation, accumulation of silicate clay, oxides (humid) or CaCO3 (arid)
What is the C layer?
The layer consisted of unconsolidated material, the zone of least weathering, least affected by soil-forming processes
What is the R layer?
Unweathered rock
What are subordinate horizons?
Describe specific nature of a soil horizon
(Cards 9-16) The following are subordinate horizons and their definitions.
Oa
Organic, highly decomposed
EB
Layer transition to B, more like E than B
Note: If vice-versa its the opposite- Example:
BE - Transitions to B, more like B than E
Oi
Organic; slightly decomposed
Oe
Organic; moderately decomposed
X is just a placeholder for a layer
Xk - What is k?
Accumulation of carbonates
Bh
Illuvial accumulation of organic matter
Bs
Illuvial organic matter and Fe and Al oxides in the B horizon
