The layers in the soil from the surface to the subsoil. The soil profile is the collection of soil horizons. Soil profiles will vary from location to location because of the five soil-forming factors: climate, vegetation, topography, soil parent material, and the length of time the soil has been weathering. By looking at a soil's profile many interpretations can be made about land use and the suitability of the soil for a specific use.

A soil profile showing the horizons in a cross-section of soil. (McGraw-Hill Inc. Reproduced by permission.)