The soil profile is defined as a vertical section of soil exposed when a soil pit is dug from the surface to the underlying bedrock. It contains different horizontal layers: the topsoil is the upper layer with the most organic matter and biological activity; the subsoil layers below accumulate materials leached from above; and the parent material is what the soil is forming from, influencing the soil composition based on its chemical and physical properties. The main cause of soil contamination is man-made waste containing unnatural chemicals, whereas natural waste adds fertility.

1. SOIL PROFILE

2. The soil profile is where the
secrets of the soil and landscape
around it are hidden. The soil
profile is defined as a vertical
section of the soil that is exposed
when a soil pit, or hole, is dug
from the surface of the soil to
the underlying bedrock.

3. HORIZONTAL LAYER

4. Topsoil
is the upper, outermost layer of soil,
usually the top 2 inches (5.1 cm) to 8
inches (20 cm). It has the highest
concentration of organic
matter and microorganisms and is
where most of the Earth's biological
soil activity occurs.

5. Subsoil
are commonly referred to as the
subsoil. They are a zone of
accumulation where rain water
percolating through the soil has
leached material from above and it has
precipitated within the B horizons or
the material may have weathered in
place.

6. Partical
The E horizon, which is a leached horizon, follows the
A horizon if it is present. An E horizon (the E stands
for elluvial, or very leached) has been very weathered
by water and organic acids, and, depending on the
parent material, may be as white as a ghost (eek!). In
soils with very low productivity, such as desert soils,
the E can be the uppermost horizon because there
isn't enough organic matter production to develop an
A horizon. It might help to think of the
word empty when you think of the E horizon...it is
empty of brown organic matter and colorful minerals,
and so it is a very light tan, gray or white.

7. Parent Material
which we have been discussing all along,
is what is being altered into soil. While it
will change over time because of
weathering, a soil with a parent material
like basalt lava will be different than a soil
with a parent material like beach sand
because the parent materials are so
different chemically and physically.

9. SOIL PROBLEMS

10. The main reason why the soil becomes
contaminated is due to the presence of
man made waste. The waste produced
from nature itself such as dead plants,
carcasses of animals and rotten fruits and
vegetables only adds to the fertility of the
soil. However, our waste products are full
of chemicals that are not originally found
in nature and lead to soil pollution.