What is the term for the layers of soil viewed as a vertical cross-section?

The term "soil profile" refers to the vertical cross-section of the soil that reveals the various layers, or horizons, within it. Each layer has distinct characteristics, such as color, texture, and composition, which provide insight into the soil's formation processes and its suitability for various uses, such as agriculture.

Understanding the soil profile is essential for applications in farming, gardening, and environmental science because it allows individuals to assess the health of the soil and determine how it can best be utilized. The layers typically include organic material at the top, followed by topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock, each playing a unique role in the ecosystem.

Other terms like soil texture, soil composition, and soil structure refer to different aspects of soil science. Soil texture concerns the size of soil particles, soil composition pertains to the makeup of those particles, and soil structure deals with the arrangement of soil aggregates, but none of these terms accurately describe the vertical arrangement of soil layers as a soil profile does.