Soil is actually a layered material, not in the sense that it is deposited in layers, but rather it has a variable composition with depth.

Soil profiles usually show at least two horizons. The first is the layer containing the organic matter. (called the O horizon)

A second A-horizon may be directly below and it contains humus which is the more decomposed residue of the o-horizon organics. It has usually been leached of the more soluble material, and the finer clay particles have subsided out.

(E-horizon) not always present - A light colored layer that lacks the dark oxide coating of the other layers. Often found in acid soils under forests.

The B-horizon is the collecting point for much of the clay material. It tends to be dense (closely packed) and often is brown to red in color. (Due to the iron leaching from above.) It has limited (but some) organic material.

(K-horizon) not always present - but found under the B-horizon in arid regions. Contains a high percentage of calcium carbonate. (Often 50% of the level.)

The C-horizon is the least weathered and at the bottom of the profile. It still contains many mineral grains that have not undergone complete weathering or leaching.

Soil Types
The character of a given soil changes with it location and the local climate. Soils can be classified in a similar way to rocks.

They are classified by their distinctive physical and chemical properties. The soil classification system used in the United States separates soils into 11 types.