Jarðvegsskilnaði

Jarðvegsskilnaði is an Icelandic term that translates to "soil separation" or "soil differentiation." It refers to the process by which distinct layers or horizons develop within a soil profile over time. This formation is driven by various physical, chemical, and biological processes that alter the original parent material.

Key factors contributing to jarðvegsskilnaði include the addition of organic matter from decomposing plants and animals, eluviation where water leaches minerals and clay downwards, and illuviation where these leached materials accumulate in lower horizons. Weathering of rocks and minerals, along with the activity of soil organisms like earthworms and microorganisms, also play crucial roles in breaking down material and rearranging its components.

The resulting soil horizons, such as the topsoil (A horizon), subsoil (B horizon), and parent material (C horizon), have different characteristics in terms of color, texture, structure, and nutrient content. The study of these soil layers and their formation is fundamental to understanding soil science, pedology, and its implications for agriculture, forestry, and environmental management. Jarðvegsskilnaði is a slow, continuous process that can take hundreds or even thousands of years to manifest significantly.