Master Soil Horizons

O

organic horizon in various stages of decomposition

A

top mineral layer where organic material accumulates

E

lighter colored than A, clay and organic material have been leached

AB

transition between A and B horizon with characteristics more like A

EB

transition between E and B horizons with characteristics more like the E

BA

transition between B and A horizon with characteristics more like the B

BE

transition between B and E horizons with characteristics more like the B

B

zone where clay and organic matter from the A or E horizon accumulate

BC

transition between B and C horizons with characteristics more like the B

C

parent material (unconsolidated)

R

consolidated rock

a

highly decomposed organic matter

b

buried soil horizon

c

concretions or nodules

co

coprogenous earth

d

dense unconsolidated materials

di

diatomaceous earth

e

intermediately decomposed organic material

f

frozen soil

ff

dry permafrost

g

strong gleying (mottling)

h

illuvial accumulation of organic matter

i

slightly decomposed organic matter

j

Jarosite (yellow sulfate mineral)

jj

cryoturbation (frost churning)

k

accumulation of carbonates

kk

engulfment of carbonates

m

cementation or induration

n

accumulation of sodium

o

accumulation of iron and aluminum oxides

p

plowing or other disturbance

q

accumulation of silica

r

weathered or soft bedrock

s

illuvial organic matter and iron, alimunic oxides

se

presence of sulfides

ss

slickensides (shiny clay wedges)

t

accumulation of silicate clays

u

human-manufactured artifacts

v

plinthite (high iron, red material)

w

distinctive color or structure

x

Fragipan (brittle, high bulk density)

y

accumulation of gypsum

yy

gypsum greater than 50% of soil mass

z

accumulation of soluble salts