Identifying Horizons of Soil Profiles

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Soil Profile No. 3. Found in southwestern Washington; deep, excessively drained soils formed in glacial outwash or alluvium on terraces or moraines; may have some admixture of volcanic ash. Slopes are o to 65%. Average annual precipitation is 100 cm and mean annual temperature is 10 degrees centigrade. Colors are for moist soil.

Profile Description

  1. 2-0 cm; very dark brown (10YR2/2) partially decomposed organic matter; pH=5.2; abrupt smooth boundary
  2. 0-6 cm; very dark brown (10YR2/2) very gravelly sandy loam; weak fine subangular blocky structure; soft, very friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; many roots; pH=5.6; clear smooth boundary
  3. 6-20 cm; dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4) very gravelly sandy loam; weak fine subangular blocky structure; soft, very friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; many roots; 55% cobbles and concretions; pH=5.8; gradual wavy boundary
  4. 20-48 cm; dark brown (7.5YR3/4) very gravelly sandy loam; weak fine subangular blocky structure; soft, very friable, nonsticky, nonplastic; many roots; 70% cobbles and concretions; pH=6.0; clear wavy boundary
  5. 48-120+ cm; olive brown (2.5YR4/4); extremely gravelly sand; loose; 65% cobbles; few roots; pH=5.8

Choose the correct master and subordinate horizon designations for each horizon from the options below, then click on 'answer' to check your determination.

Horizon No. 1: A Oi Oa Oe
Horizon No. 2: Oa2 Bw AB A
Horizon No. 3: Bs1 AB Bw1 Bs
Horizon No. 4: Bw2 Bt Bs2 Bs
Horizon No. 5: BC C Cm Bw3

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