A soil profile is a vertical section of soil arranged in layers, called soil horizons, which extend from the soil surface to the parent rock material
. Soil profiles are essential tools in nutrient management and can provide valuable insights into soil fertility
. The soil profile is composed of the following layers:
- Regolith : This includes all the weathered material within the profile, consisting of the solum and the saprolite. The solum includes the upper horizons with the most weathered portion of the profile, while the saprolite is the least weathered portion that lies directly above the solid, consolidated bedrock but beneath the regolith
- Soil Horizons : There are five master horizons in a soil profile. Not all soil profiles contain all five horizons, and their presence varies depending on the specific soil
Soil profiles are important because they help scientists and farmers understand the soil's composition, structure, and fertility. By examining a soil profile, one can gain insights into the soil's ability to support plant growth and its potential for agricultural use
. Soil is a crucial resource for agriculture, providing food, clothing, and shelter to billions of people worldwide
