What is Horizon C primarily composed of?

Horizon C, commonly referred to as the C horizon in soil profiles, is primarily composed of bedrock or parent material. This layer serves as the foundational layer of soil, lying beneath the more developed upper horizons. Unlike the A horizon, which is rich in organic material and soil life, or the B horizon, where minerals leached from above accumulate, the C horizon consists of weathered rock and unconsolidated material that has not yet undergone significant soil formation processes.

The C horizon is crucial for several reasons: it provides the minerals that contribute to soil fertility and acts as a reservoir for groundwater. Its composition influences the characteristics of the overlying soil layers by affecting drainage, nutrient retention, and rooting conditions for plants.