5 FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOIL PROFILE
Soil profile refers to the vertical arrangement of the various soil layers from the top layer down to the parent rock or bottom layer. It is a vertical section through the soil horizons extending into the parent material or the bedrock. It describes the sections downwards through the soil which comprises differing characteristics in terms of texture, color, mineral composition, the ratio of the combination of organic and inorganic matter, hardness, and rate of weathering . The different layers are referred to as horizons. A soil horizon is a well-defined layer within the soil profile parallel to the local round surface. There are four main horizons namely: A horizon, B horizon, C horizon, and D horizon. Each horizon has different physical and chemical properties, which result from various soil-forming processes such as weathering, the introduction of humus, and the movement of minerals . O-HORIZON This is the topmost/ surface layer of the soil comprising organic matter . The con...