Soil Profile & Biomes of

World
• The soil, the highest layer of the earth's crust, is
mostly made up of rock and minerals that sustain
life.

• A vertical cross-section of the soil made up of

layers that run parallel to the surface is called
a soil profile. When soil is created, it settles into
several vertical levels. Each layer is composed
differently.
 How Soil Profiles Form
• Soil profiles are the result of complex interactions
between physical, chemical, and biological processes. The
formation of a soil profile begins with the weathering of
rock, which breaks down into smaller mineral particles
over time.

• This weathering is primarily caused by water, wind, and

temperature fluctuations.

• The parent material is then subject to weathering and

erosion, which creates distinct soil horizons. The type of
parent material, the climate, the topography, and the
biological activity in the soil all play a role in determining
the composition and structure of the soil profile.
The Importance of Soil Profile
• Soil profiles are important for a number of reasons. They
provide insights into soil fertility, nutrient content, and
water-holding capacity, which are critical for agriculture
and plant growth. They also provide information about the
history of an area, as the layers of soil reflect the
environmental conditions that existed over time.
• Understanding soil profiles is also important for land-use
planning and soil conservation.
• Different soil types have different strengths and weaknesses
and understanding these can help guide decisions about how
to use and manage the land.

• For example, certain crops may do better in soils with higher

nutrient content, while other crops may be better suited for
soils with lower water-holding capacity. By understanding the
characteristics of the soil profile, land managers can make
more informed decisions about how to manage the land
sustainably.
 The Layers of Soil Profiles

• A soil profile typically consists of five different

layers, each with a distinct set of characteristics.

• These layers, called horizons, are labeled using a

letter system. The uppermost layer is called the A
horizon, followed by the B horizon, and the C
horizon. The O and R horizons may also be present
in certain soils. A good soil for growing plants
should have about 45% minerals (composed of
sand, silt, and clay), 5% organic matter, 25% air,
and 25% water.
 O Horizon

• The O horizon is the top layer of soil,

consisting of undecomposed or partially
decomposed organic matter such as leaves,
twigs, and plant debris. This layer is usually
found in forested areas or other locations
with a high concentration of plant material.
The O horizon is important for soil health,
as it provides nutrients for plants and helps
retain moisture in the soil.
 A Horizon

• The A horizon, also known as the topsoil, is

the layer immediately beneath the O
horizon. It is characterized by a high
concentration of organic matter, mineral
particles, and nutrients, making it the most
fertile layer of soil. This layer is where most
plants grow or Germinate, and it is critical
for agriculture.
 B Horizon
• The B horizon, also known as the subsoil,
lies beneath the A horizon. This layer is
characterized by a lower concentration of
organic matter and a higher concentration
of minerals, such as iron, aluminum, and
clay. These minerals are leached down
from the A horizon by rainwater, and they
accumulate in the B horizon. The B horizon
is less fertile than the A horizon but still
contains important nutrients for plants.
 C Horizon
• The C horizon, also known as the parent
material, is the layer of soil that lies beneath
the B horizon. This layer consists of
unconsolidated rock or sediment that has not
yet been weathered or broken down into soil.
The C horizon is important because it provides
the foundation for the soil above it.

• R Horizon
• The R horizon, also known as bedrock, is the
bottom layer of soil. This layer consists of
consolidated rock that cannot be penetrated by
plant roots or water. The R horizon plays a
critical role in soil formation, as it provides the
base upon which the soil layers above it
develop.
Consider the following statements regarding A Horizon in soil profile:
1. The A horizon is a surface horizon that largely consists of minerals (sand,
silt, and clay) and organic matter.
2. This horizon is predominantly the surface layer of many soils in grasslands
and agricultural lands.
• Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) Both 1 and 2
• (d) Neither 1 nor 2
• Which of the following statements is/are correct about soil
Horizons?
• Organic components in the O-Horizon soil decay.
• R Horizon has partially Sedimentary & Unconsolidated Rocks.
• Select the correct answer using the code given below.
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) Both 1 and 2
• (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 What is biomes?
• A biome can be defined as a large community or an ecosystem where
different types of living organisms including plants, animals, birds,
insects, and humans are used to living in a certain type of climate.
The different types of biomes are mainly based on the adaptations,
range of temperature, weather, and climatic conditions.
• The word “Biome” was suggested by an ecologist Frederic Edward
Clement in the year 1916 which referred to the word biotic
community.
Types of vegetation In world.
• Equatorial & Tropical Rain Forest Biome
• Tropical Deciduous Forest
• Grass Land Biome
• Desert Biome
• Mediterranean Biome.
Equatorial & Tropical Rain Forest Biome

Its greatest range is located in

the Amazon Basin called as
Selva. (South America), Congo
Basin (Africa), and Indo-
Malaysian region (Java,
Sumatra, Borneo, Malaysia, and
Guinea) Pacific Islands, Mexico,
Central America.
 Equatorial & Tropical Rain Forest Biome

• These forests are found in warm & Humid areas. They receive annual
rains fall above 200 cm & average Temperature ranges between 20-
25C. While these forest extending less than 10% of earths land surface,
rain forest are home to more than 50% of the world’s Plant & Animal
Species. There is no specific time for the trees to shed their leaves, so
they are appearing green all the year round. Trees here have average
height of 45-60 M or even more.

• The top soil of tropical rain forest is heavily leached due to rain & so
poor in nutrients. Due this regeneration of the trees cover is very
difficult when it is cleared. Due of these poor nutrients (In the surface),
Rainforest trees have very shallow roots to get more nutrients.

• Trees Like: rose wood, ebony, Mahagony, Palms are grown. Animals
like : Monkeys, deer, elephants, One horned rhinocers, Tiger, jaguars
and tree frogs are found.
Tropical Deciduous Forest

The main areas of

deciduous forest include:
India, Myanmar, Thailand,
China, parts of Indonesia,
Malaysia, Vietnam,
Cambodia, Philippines,
Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Tanzania, Central America,
parts of Brazil, Guyana and
Venezuela.
 Tropical Deciduous Forest
• The tropical deciduous forests lose their leaves at a time. These forests are found on the margin of
tropical rain forests.

• The main areas of deciduous forest include: India, Myanmar, Thailand, parts of Indonesia, Malaysia,
Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Central America, parts of Brazil,
Guyana and Venezuela. The tropical deciduous biome has the average annual rainfall is generally
between 100 to 200 cm. The rainfall occurs mainly during the rainy season. The average height of these
forests is about 30 to 45 meters.

• These are mostly widespread forest in India. They Have temperature Ranging between 25 to 30
degree.

• They are rich in Nutrients than equatorial rain forest. Plants maximum height is around 30 to 45 m.
Trees like Teak, sal, Bamboos, mulberry, peepal, neem are found. Animals : tiger, Lion, Elephants,
rhinos, spotted deer, antelope are found.
Temperate Forest
The world’s largest forests are
typically concentrated in the
Northern Hemisphere, with
North west USA, Europe, and
parts of Russia, North China,
and Japan.
Parts of Australia, east Asia and
South America are home to this
forests.
 Temperate Forest.
• The forests are biomes that are classified by the seasonal weather
patterns they experience – in that they go through all four seasons,
with trees losing their leaves. The average temperature ranges
from 10 to 20 degrees.

• The temperate forest biomes lie between Taiga and the tropics. This
forests occur in both Northern and Southern hemispheres. In India
temperate forests are found between 1000 and 2000 metres in
elevation. Some parts of West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh,
Sikkim and Nagaland one can see temperate forest.

• As leaves decay, the nutrients contained in the leaves are absorbed by

the soil. The leaves change color in autumn, fall off in winter, and grow
back in the spring. Trees found here are Oak, Beech, maple, hemlock.
Animals : Squirrels, Rabbits, lions, Raccon, rodents, American buffalos
etc.
Taiga
 Taiga
• Experienced in the regions just below Arctic circle. This biome is only located in
Northern Hemispheres at latitudes between 60° and 50° North. Occupies 11%
of the earth's surface.
• The trees found in these forests mainly consist of trees like spruce, pine, fir,
and hemlock.
• These are found mostly in the northern parts of North America, Asia, and
Europe. Several factors like the solar elevation, day length, and snow cover
conspire to produce a cold climate.
• It has low precipitation rate. Taiga biome refers to the area dense with flora
and fauna. It is one of the world's largest land biomes. Richest sources of
softwood. Softwood is used in building construction, furniture, matches, paper
and pulp, rayon and other branches of the chemical industry. They are
coniferous by nature.
Desert

Animals : Bobcats, Javelina, Desert

Tortoise, Cactus Wren, Desert Kangaroo
Rat, Thorny Devil, Desert Bighorn Ship,
Armadillo Lizard, Antelope.
Desert.
• The desert ecosystem covers around 17% of the earth's surface.
Deserts can be found on almost every continent. Desert ecosystems
thrive in locations with relatively little annual rainfall and extreme
heat or cold. The desert ecosystem's initial productivity is quite poor.
Each year, the desert receives less than 50 cm of rain. It is a big barren
abandoned and dry sand-covered region. Babul, acacia, and thorny
plants can all be found in this area of vegetation. The consumers
found here include reptiles, small mammals and birds. Bindibu,
Bushmen, Tuaregs live this vegetations.
Grasslands of the world
East Africa- Savanna
Brazil- Campos
Venezuela- Llanos
Argentina- Pampas
America- Prairie
South Africa- Veld
Asia- Steppe
Australia- Down
 Grasslands
• These are areas with grasses as the dominant plant life. Grasslands can be divided into
savannas, steppes, and prairies, depending on the climate and other environmental factors.

• A grassland ecosystem is a dry area of land dominated by grasses. Huge trees and shrubs
are very rarely found in these regions, which is mainly because of the climatic conditions
and other environmental factors, which do not withstand the plant’s requirements.

• Grasslands are also called transitional landscape. In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation
is dominated by herbs and grass. These ecosystems are mainly found in regions, where
there is a scarcity of water and not enough and regular rainfall to support the growth of
plants and forests. The grassland ecosystem lies between the deserts and the forest
ecosystems. Tall elephant grass can be found in the low-lying Terai zone, south of the
Himalayan foothills.
• Western India, sections of Central India, and the Deccan Plateau all have grasslands

• Home for elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs & zebras.

• Vegetation : cacti, sagebrush, perennial grasses, buffalo grass clovers, and wild indigos.
People are engaged in dairy farming. Grassland farms are highly specialized in share of
dairy production with a total output is 92.6%,
Mediterranean

Climate found in.

1. western South America
2. California (around San Francisco)
3. Southwestern tip of Africa (around
Cape Town) & North west Africa.
4. southern Australia (in southern
Victori),
5. southwest Australia.
6. Southern Europe.
 Mediterranean biome

• The Mediterranean biome has developed between 30°-40°

(some time upto 45°) latitudes in both the hemispheres .
• Summer season is warm whereas winters are moderately
cool. 70% of citrus fruits produced in the world are found
in regions with a Mediterranean type of climate, which is
why it is also given the name garden of the world.’
• These characteristic climatic features of the Mediterranean
climate have developed because of the seasonal shifting of
the pressure and wind belts due to northward and
southward migration of the sun. Vegetation is dominated
by trees and shrubs. Animals Like : lizards, snakes, kites,
falcons, wolf and quagga, a type of zebra
Tundra
 Tundra
• The world's northern and southernmost regions are adjacent to the ice-bound poles.

• The Tundra ecosystem is one with an absence of trees and is covered with snow for the
majority of the year. This type of ecosystem can mostly be found in cold climates and
places with little rainfall. This climate is found in places with lower altitudes and is very
similar to deserts, because of their severe climate.

• They can be found in regions extending across North America, Europe, and Siberia moving
towards Asia. The majority of Alaska and Canada cover the Tundra ecosystem. They have
extremely long, dark, and cold winters and rarely have summer seasons throughout the
year. Plantations and flowers can rarely be found in these places because they are always
covered with snow. Vegetation found here are mosses and Lichen.
• Consider the following statements on the Grassland Ecosystem:
• Grasslands are non- transitional landforms.
• The transitional zone in a grassland has less species diversity.
• Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) Bothe 1 and 2
• (d) Neither 1 nor 2