C horizon

Definition

The C horizon is the layer of soil that consists of weathered parent material. It is located below the B horizon and above the unweathered bedrock.

Related terms

B horizon: The B horizon is the layer of soil that accumulates minerals and nutrients leached from above. It is located below the A horizon and above the C horizon.

Soil profile: A vertical section through all soil horizons, from surface to bedrock, showing their arrangement.

Parent material: The underlying geological material (such as rock or sediment) from which soils develop.