What does a soil profile represent?

A soil profile represents a vertical section of the soil through its horizons, showcasing the distinct layers or horizons that make up the soil. This vertical arrangement allows for a detailed examination of the various components, textures, colors, and structures that differ with depth, which is essential for understanding soil formation, health, and potential usage. By analyzing a soil profile, one can gain insights into how different factors, such as organic matter content, moisture retention, and nutrient availability, vary within the soil column.

The other options, while related to soil in some capacity, do not accurately describe the concept of a soil profile. A horizontal slice of the soil does not encompass the vertical stratification that a profile does, and referring to crop yield or soil quality measurements involves parameters that extend beyond the layers of soil visible in a profile. Thus, the emphasis on the vertical section is crucial for comprehending the complexities of soil in agricultural and environmental contexts.