Profielputten

Profielputten are vertical or sloping excavations in the soil created to expose a natural soil profile for direct observation and sampling. They are a standard field method in pedology and soil surveying, used to document horizon development, color, structure, texture, moisture regime and other soil characteristics in a representative location.

Construction and observation involve opening a pit with stable sidewalls, typically several decimeters to about two meters deep, depending on the soil and safety considerations. The exposed cross-section allows the observer to identify soil horizons such as O, A, E, B and C, though not all soils display all horizons. Observations focus on horizon boundaries, color (often recorded with the Munsell system), texture by feel, structure, root density, mottling and the presence of carbonates or eluviation. In addition to qualitative notes, samples may be taken from distinct horizons for laboratory analysis.

Applications and purpose include classification and mapping of soils in national or regional surveys, understanding soil formation (pedogenesis), and assessing properties relevant to land use, drainage, fertility, forestry or construction. Profile pits provide a tangible basis for interpreting soil development, drainage characteristics and depth to subsoil layers, informing management decisions and recommendations.

Safety and ethics emphasize stable, shored walls to prevent collapse and minimal environmental disturbance. After observations, pits are backfilled and the site restored as practicable. Profileputten remain a foundational tool in soil science, though they are increasingly complemented by less invasive methods such as augering or core sampling.