Soil profile gallery
Soil Profile Gallery
![[A profile showing the major soil horizons.]](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/nrcs142p2_047552.gif)
A soil profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. Each soil series consists of soils having major horizons that are similar in color, texture, structure, reaction, consistency, mineral and chemical composition, and arrangement in the soil profile. The soil profile extends from the surface downward to unconsolidated material. Most soils have three major horizons called the surface horizon, the subsoil, and the substratum.
This site makes available photographs of several soil profiles in the southeastern United States. To obtain official soil series descriptions, click here. This option takes you to the USDA–NRCS Official Soil Series Descriptions (OSD) homepage. At the OSD site, click on "View OSD by Series Names" then type the soil name.
To see a photo of the soils listed on this site, click on the soil name. To save one of the soil profile graphics, right click on the image, and choose "Save Picture As."
