Label the figure correctly and then write the feature of each zone on the blank given on the right-hand side. Horizon Features C-Horizon Contains humus Bedrock Contains sand A-Horizon Has no organic matter B-Horizon Contains solid rocks

The given figure represents the soil profile. The layers are differentiated as horizons and classified as A, B and C. Different layers contain different types of soil. A- horizon or Topsoil: It is the uppermost layer of the soil. It contains a lot of humus. This soil is soft, porous and has more water holding capacity than the other layer. B-Horizon or Subsoil: It lies under the layer of topsoil. It contains more sand and also some stones. The subsoil is not good for plant growth as it contains very little humus. C- Horizon: It lies beneath the subsoil. It is made up of stones and rocks. It contains no organic matter. Bedrock: It is the layer found below C-horizon consists of the parent rock.

Soil is the topmost layer of the earth’s crust. It provides a foundation for all the plants and trees and serves as a storehouse of water and minerals for their growth. It provides shelter to many animals that live in or on it.

Percolation is the gradual movement of water through the spaces or pores in the soil. Clayey soil absorbs more water than sandy soil and allows less water to percolate. The higher the absorption of water by soil, the higher is its availability to plants.

Weathering is the breakdown of rocks on the earth's surface due to natural forces. Actions of sunlight, water, ice, wind and plants, break huge pieces of rocks to form soil. Microorganisms also contribute to the formation of soil by decomposing the dead remains of plants and animals, thus forming humus.