Determination of Horizon, Its Boundary and Depth in the Soil Profiles of North Western Himalayas

Abstract

The scientific study of the soil started almost 70-80 years ago with two school of thoughts, one worked in the lab and others in field. The main aim of the researchers studying in the field was to determine the profiles of soil along with its horizons so as to extent the knowledge on physical, chemical and biological properties. The distinctness of soil with depth means that soil has unique profile. All the soils in the world has some specific depth functions. The change of soil color or soil texture in a soil profile can be considered a good indicator of the soil formation and process and has been used as a proxy for degree of development or soil age. Uniform, gradational and rapidly changing soil textures are examples of soil profile forms used for soil classification. In the current study we studied twelve profiles having four different land uses and observed several horizons having various boundaries. The upper horizons were having diffused and wavy boundaries than the lower horizons. There was seen a clear relationship between the horizons and the various land uses. The study is very important as the soils in Himalayas are not very well developed and are prone to erosion. The study will help researchers and policy makers.