Which horizon is an accumulation of fine material that has moved downward, forming a dense layer?
AThe O horizon
BThe A horizon
CThe B horizon
DThe C horizon
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The B horizon
1. The soil profile has four distinct layers, the O, A, B and C horizons.
2. The O horizon carries freshly decomposing organic matter at its surface and decomposed vegetation at its base.
3. The A horizon mixes organic material with inorganic products of weathering and is the beginning of true mineral soil.
4. The B horizon, or subsoil, is an accumulation of mostly fine material that has moved downward, giving a dense layer.
5. That downward movement is fed by rainwater percolating through the A horizon and carrying material from the surface.
6. The C horizon, or soil base, holds the parent material, and bedrock lies beneath it.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 31 "Soil and Plant Nutrition", section 31.2 The Soil_
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