APES IN A BOX: THE SOIL PROFILE NOTES Cross-sectional soil layers from the surface of the soil down

to the bedrock O Horizon- surface layer, partially/completely un-decomposed plant residue(ex: leaf litter) A Horizon: topsoil, contains large amounts of decomposing organic material known as hummus, and most living organisms dwell in soil B Horizon- subsoil. Plant roots penetrate area, but less hummus and more inorganic content than A Horizon C Horizon- made of Parent Material for soil o Parent Material: bedrock and large unbroken pieces of rock that are weathered to produce inorganic components of soil