Soil Layers Soil Profile: The Layers of Soil Horizon Soil takes a long time to form. It may take hundreds to thousands of year for one inch of soil to form. As soil forms, different layers result. A layer of soil differing from the layers above and below it is called horizon. 6 Horizons Soils typically have six horizons. From the top down, they are Horizon O,A, E, B, C and R. Each horizon has certain characteristics. O Horizon O horizon – Also called humus, this is the top-most layer of any soil with a significant amount of plant life above it. Humus is a layer of organic material (hence the ‘O’), like dead grass, fallen leaves, etc. that collects on the ground’s surface. A Horizon The layer called topsoil Top most horizon is more important than all other horizons because: An A horizon is a mineral horizon. This horizon always forms at the surface and is what many people refer to as topsoil. They are rich in organic matter, giving them a darker col
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