Soil Profile Worksheet for Students to Label and Match Soil Layers

Let’s solve this step by step.

We are looking at a soil profile — that means we’re seeing different layers of soil from top to bottom, like slices of a cake. Each layer has its own name and look.

From top to bottom, the usual soil layers (called horizons) are:

1. O Horizon – This is the very top layer. It’s made of leaves, twigs, and other plant stuff that’s not fully broken down yet. You might see little bits of plants or roots here. In the drawing, this is the top box with squiggly lines and small shapes — that’s organic matter.

2. A Horizon – Also called “topsoil.” It’s dark because it has lots of humus (broken-down plant material). Plants grow best here. In the drawing, this is the second layer — darker with some dots and wavy lines.

3. B Horizon – Called “subsoil.” It’s lighter in color, maybe reddish or brownish. Not as many nutrients here. Has more clay and minerals washed down from above. In the drawing, this is the third layer — full of tiny dots, meaning fine particles.

4. C Horizon – Made of partially broken-up rock. Not much life here. Just big chunks starting to break apart. In the drawing, this is the fourth layer — bigger rocks and pebbles.

5. R Horizon – The bottom layer. Solid bedrock. No soil here — just hard rock. In the drawing, this is the last layer — large, jagged rocks.

Now, let’s match them to the boxes on the right side of the worksheet. There are 5 blank boxes next to each layer. We need to write the correct name for each layer, going from top to bottom.

So:

- Top layer → O Horizon
- Second layer → A Horizon
- Third layer → B Horizon
- Fourth layer → C Horizon
- Bottom layer → R Horizon

Also, the instructions say: “Colour the layers with how each layer should look.”

That means:
- O Horizon: Green/brown (like dead leaves)
- A Horizon: Dark brown or black (rich soil)
- B Horizon: Light brown or red (clayey)
- C Horizon: Gray or tan (broken rock)
- R Horizon: Gray or dark gray (solid rock)

But since we can’t color here, we’ll just label them correctly.

Final Answer:
Top to bottom labels:
1. O Horizon
2. A Horizon
3. B Horizon
4. C Horizon
5. R Horizon