The Soil Layer with the Most Organic Matter, Here's the Explanation

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YOGYAKARTA - The earth consists of several layers, each of which has different characteristics. One of them is the soil layer that contains the most organic matter.

In soil science, the layer of soil that contains the most organic matter is called the O horizon layer. This soil layer is at the top of the soil surface and serves to support plant life and microorganisms.

Well, this article will invite you to get to know the soil layer that contains the most organic matter. Read the review to the end, yes.

Explanation of the Soil Layer Containing the Most Organic Matter

As mentioned above, the soil layer that contains the most organic matter is called the O horizon layer.

Citing the book Land Water Space (2021) by Ribert J. Kodoatie, the soil horizon is a layer of soil or soil materials that is parallel to the ground surface and has different layers.

In addition to the O horizon, the soil profile also consists of horizons A, E, B, C, and R. All of these symbols are the names of the horizon system and also its coating. The explanation is as follows:

The Horizon O layer

The O horizon layer is a type of soil horizon consisting of various types of organic materials such as leaf residues as well as animal and plant carcasses.

This soil layer is usually located on the topmost surface of the ground, but can also be buried in the layer below it.

The O horizon soil layer can be found in the interior of the forest which has not been touched by humans because it contains a lot of organic matter and humus.

The O horizon layer has two types, namely O1 and O2 horizons. The O1 horizon is formed from plant residues. Meanwhile, the O2 horizon layer is formed from plant residues that have passed through further weathering so that it is destroyed. Thus, in the O2 horizon, the organic remains are no longer visible, because they have been mixed with other organic material transformations.

Horizon A layer

The A horizon layer is a mineral soil horizon that is formed on the surface of the soil. This horizon consists of various topsoil, such as organic matter with a dark color mixed with mineral grains and the effect of the activity of organisms. The finer particles will dissolve easily and be carried to the lower layer.

Horizon E

At horizon E, this soil layer is below the ground surface with a little mineral content. This horizon is often attached to the type of horizon A so that it can replace the layer.

Horizon B

Horizon B is formed below horizons A, E, and O. Most of the original rock structures have disappeared at this horizon. Next will be seen one or more soil properties, such as alluvial soils of silicates, humus, aluminum, iron compounds, and carbonates in both aggregate and single form.

Horizon C

Horizon C is the parent layer of the soil. The pedogenic process (formation of pedosphere) becomes a factor in forming the soil in this layer. Horizon C does not have characteristics such as horizons O, A, E, and B. it is located in the lower layer of the soil consisting of a flat bedrock.

Horizon R

Horizon R has the most basic parent rock layer, formed from very dense rocks. At horizon R, some types of rocks such as sandstone, basalt, granite, limestone, and others, have not had time to undergo weathering.

This is an explanation of the soil layer that contains the most organic matter. Get updates on other featured news only at VOI.ID.