Soil Profile

Soils develop over long periods of time and generally become deeper and develop distinct layers or horizons. A soil profile is made up of three layers: topsoil; subsoil and parent material.

This thin layer (usually less than 30cm) is normally the most fertile because of the organic matter that has accumulated from plant and biological activity. In this layer, the majority of a plant’s feeder roots are present which take up nutrients.

Usually lighter in colour as it does not contain as much organic matter as topsoil. This layer can be composed of varying proportions of clay, sand, silt and stones.

This is the original material from which the soil is developed. This layer has deposits of sand, gravel, pebbles, boulders and rock in various mixtures.