Soils of Alberta: A Horizons

Soils of Alberta Tutorial
"A" Horizons

The horizons of the soil that have been altered by surface-related soil forming processes are called A horizons. These horizons are at the top of the soil profile. The common kinds of A horizons include:

Ah
Enriched in organic carbon, because of root senescence and / or soil faunal activity, especially earthworm activity. Ahe
A transition between Ah and Ae, with both carbon enrichment and clay depletion. Ae
Depleted of clay, and sometimes of iron and organic acids. Normally has a horizontal "platy" structure, and an ash-white colour when dry.

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Format for citing this page:
Juma, N. G. and Martin, T. Soils of Alberta: "A" Horizons [Online]. (1997, November 1). Available HTTP: http://www.soils.rr.ualberta.ca/soa/horizon3.cfm [cite the date you accessed this page].

Web site created and maintained by:

Dr. Noorallah G. Juma (noorallah.juma@ualberta.ca)
Sir Chris Harland (chris@salmandesigns.com)


Ah Enriched in organic carbon, because of root senescence and / or soil faunal activity, especially earthworm activity.	Ahe A transition between Ah and Ae, with both carbon enrichment and clay depletion.	Ae Depleted of clay, and sometimes of iron and organic acids. Normally has a horizontal "platy" structure, and an ash-white colour when dry.