Horizon boundaries and horizon continuity in pedon
Conventions have been developed to describe soil horizon boundaries for the purpose of soil classification. Two measurements are considered necessary for classification. They include width or thickness of the boundary over topography of the surface. Following terms have been used to describe the width of the boundaries between horizons.
- Abrupt: the boundary is of such constant that is less than 2.5cm wide
- Clear: the boundary layer is 2.3 – 6.4cm wide
- Gradual: the boundary layer is 6.4 – 12.7 cm wide
The surface topography of soil horizon cam be described by the following terms:
- Smooth: the boundary is nearly a plane
- Wavy: the boundary is undulating, with the pocket having a greater length in either the X or Y direction than in the Z direction
- Irregular: the boundary topography is such that pocket vary more in the Z axis direction than in either X or Y direction
- Broken: the horizon is discontinuous within the pedon