C Horizon

A parent material layer, which is unconsolidated having loose element of rock present. It is typically a layer in which the process of soil formation is in very early stages. The 'C' Horizon is situated below the 'B' subsoil Horizon. There will be very little organic matter and micro-organism activity, with little available nutrients. The horizon may be subject to permanent or temporary waterlogging depending on the height of a water table and closeness to rivers, in which case gleying will occur to some extent.