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Glite Dictionary
B-horizon

B-horizon

9.8
A soil layer below the top layer that holds minerals and dead plant material carried down
  • noun
  • /biː ˈhɔːrɪzən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : horizonte B
  • The B-horizon often contains more clay and minerals than the layers above.

Examples

  • Roots from deep plants may reach into the B-horizon for water and nutrients.

  • The B-horizon contains minerals leached from the upper layers.

  • In well-developed soils, the B-horizon can be several feet thick.

  • Farmers often analyze the B-horizon for soil health.

  • In well-developed soils, the B-horizon can be several feet thick.

  • The B-horizon often contains more clay and minerals than the layers above.

  • Farmers often analyze the B-horizon for soil health.

Synonyms

subsoil
vsB-horizon
  • Specialized
1 5.4

A layer of soil under the topsoil and above the rock that has less plant material and more minerals

is the specific layer that accumulates minerals leached from above
B horizon
vsB-horizon
  • Specialized
9.1

A soil layer under the topsoil that holds minerals and bits of dead plants

is the hyphenated form used in other sources

Surface Forms

B-horizon singular
B-horizons plural

Morphology

B-horizon = horizon (semi-transparent) = B- + horizon

Formally built from the label 'B-' plus 'horizon', but precise meaning (specific soil layer properties) requires domain knowledge of soil-profile labeling and is not predictable by a general learner.

Etymology

B-horizon names the soil layer below the A- layer, with B- simply showing it is the second layer. The part horizon is the same as the familiar horizon, the line where sky meets land, and it originally meant a 'boundary', so B-horizon is the lower 'boundary' in soil where minerals and clay collect.