Tilikerroksiin

Tilikerroksiin is a Finnish term that translates to "soil layers" or "soil horizons." It refers to the distinct horizontal zones within a soil profile that have been formed by various soil-forming processes. These layers, often called horizons, are characterized by their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties, such as color, texture, structure, and organic matter content.

The most common soil horizons are designated by letters: O, A, E, B, and C. The O horizon consists of organic matter at the surface. The A horizon, or topsoil, is a mixture of mineral particles and organic matter, typically dark in color and rich in nutrients. The E horizon, when present, is a leached layer where minerals and organic matter have been washed out. The B horizon, or subsoil, is where materials leached from above accumulate, often appearing lighter in color and denser. The C horizon is the parent material, largely unweathered rock or unconsolidated sediment, from which the soil has developed. Sometimes a D horizon is used to denote bedrock.

The development and thickness of these tilikerroksiin are influenced by factors such as climate, parent material, topography, organisms, and time. Understanding these soil layers is crucial in fields like agriculture, forestry, environmental science, and archaeology, as it helps in assessing soil fertility, drainage, stability, and its history.