1. Horizons
1.1. O Horizon
1.1.1. Organic Layer, Darkest
1.2. A Horizon
1.2.1. Plow layer, Surface Layer, Most fertile, Solum (Most Root Growth)
1.3. E Horizon
1.3.1. Subsurface Layer, Maximum Leaching (Drained away), Not always present
1.4. B Horizon
1.4.1. Subsoil, Illuviation (zone of accumulation), Solum
1.5. C Horizon
1.5.1. Substratum, parent material
1.6. R Horizon
1.6.1. Lowermost layer, Bedrock
2. Texture
2.1. 3 Particales
2.1.1. Sand
2.1.1.1. Largest particle
2.1.2. Silt
2.1.2.1. Medium sized Particle
2.1.3. Clay
2.1.3.1. Smallest Particle
2.2. Soil material makeup
2.2.1. 50% Air/Water
2.2.2. 45% Mineral
2.2.3. 5% Organic
2.3. Erosion
2.3.1. 2.5 Acres lost a year in IL
2.3.2. Erosion control
2.3.2.1. Contour Producing
2.3.2.2. Strip Cropping
2.3.2.3. Terracing
2.3.2.4. No till vs tilling
2.4. Ribbon
2.4.1. Fine Texture- Forms easily, long and flexible
2.4.2. Moderately fine texture- ribbon breaks at about 3/4 to 1 inch
2.4.3. Medium texture- No ribbon, breaks at less than 3/4 of an inch long
2.4.4. Moderately coarse texture- No ribbon, gritty and lacks smoothness
2.4.5. Coarse texture- No ribbon, entirely gritty, leaves no stain
3. Nutrients
3.1. 3 Primary Macronutrients
3.1.1. Nitrogen
3.1.1.1. Deficiency- Yellowing on leaf starting on end and spreading toward stem. Growth is decreased
3.1.1.2. Used- plant growth, development, and photosynthesis
3.1.2. Phospherous
3.1.2.1. Deficiency- dark green/ purple color of leaves
3.1.2.2. Used- root development, production of fruit and flowers
3.1.3. Potassium
3.1.3.1. Deficiency- discoloration and scorching along out rim of leaves. Begins at tip of leaf
3.1.3.2. Used- disease resistance, reproduction
3.2. Secondary Macronutrients
3.2.1. Calcium
3.2.1.1. Deficiency- young leaves die back, delayed emergence of primary leaves
3.2.2. Magnesium
3.2.2.1. Deficiency- Loss of green leaf color starting with bottom leaves, reddish purple from edge inwards
3.2.3. Sulfur
3.2.3.1. Deficiency- young leaves light green with veins being lighter
3.3. Micronutrients
3.3.1. Boron, Copper, Chlorine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc