What does the term "soil profile" refer to?

The term "soil profile" specifically refers to a vertical section of soil layers from the surface down to the bedrock. This profile provides a comprehensive view of the different soil horizons that can be present, each characterized by unique physical and chemical properties. It includes the topsoil, subsoil, and any underlying layers, allowing for the identification of various soil types and their depth relationships. Understanding the soil profile is crucial in soil science as it helps soil scientists and agronomists assess soil health, fertility, and suitability for various agricultural practices or land use decisions.

In contrast, a horizontal layer of soil types does not capture the vertical aspect that is integral to a soil profile. A cross-section of soil microorganisms focuses on the biological aspect rather than the physical structure of the soil. Lastly, a map showing the distribution of soil types is an illustrative representation that provides a spatial understanding of soil varieties across a landscape, but it does not represent the physical layering within any single location’s soil profile.