soil profile

American  

noun

1. a vertical succession of horizons, commonly lettered A, B, C (beginning at the surface), that have been subjected to soil-forming processes, chiefly leaching and oxidation.

2. a diagram of a vertical section of soil depicting the horizons.

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Etymology

Origin of soil profile

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Measuring soil organic carbon, for example, requires digging a core to the root zone, about 30 centimeters deep to obtain a topsoil profile and until the core hits bedrock to obtain an entire soil profile.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2024

The plowing broke up the stable soil profile and destroyed the natural grasses and plants, which had long roots that anchored the soil layers.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

Farmland typically has horizontal soil profiles, but the sloping nature of the land means the soil profile is vertical.

From Washington Times • Dec. 17, 2016

When you combine these thin layers of volcanic ash interspersed with soil, you have a soil profile that reads like a book.’’

From US News • Jan. 12, 2011

Seven greens now enjoy the benefits of a subsurface drainage system and in the case of four, a SubAir soil profile assistance system.

From Golf Digest • Jun. 22, 2010