E horizon

soil type

Also known as: zone of eluviation

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July 15, 2026

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The E horizon is a distinct soil layer characterized by a lighter color and a significant loss of clay and humus. This depletion, known as eluviation, gives the E horizon a bleached appearance. This process occurs as percolating water washes these materials downward from the surface layers. The development of E horizons is more common in areas with high rainfall and sandy soil, which facilitate extensive water percolation.12

Soil horizons are layers within the soil profile, formed by the combined actions of living organisms and percolating water. From top to bottom, the main horizons are O, A, E, B, C, and R. The E horizon lies below the A horizon and above the B horizon, which accumulates the leached materials.231

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soil
Soil horizons
…is given the separate designation E horizon, or zone of eluviation (from Latin ex, “out,” and lavere, “to wash”). The development of E horizons is favoured by high rainfall and sandy parent material, two factors that help to ensure extensive water percolation. The solid particles lost through leaching are deposited…
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…is given the separate designation E horizon, or zone of eluviation (from Latin ex, “out,” and lavere, “to wash”). The development of E horizons is favoured by high rainfall and sandy parent material, two factors that help to ensure extensive water percolation. The solid particles lost through leaching are deposited…
Read More

soil
Parent material
…and promotes the development of E horizons (the leached lower regions of the topmost soil layer). The fine texture of basaltic rocks, on the other hand, yields soils with a loam or clay-loam texture and hinders the development of E horizons. Because water percolates to greater depths and drains more…
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…and promotes the development of E horizons (the leached lower regions of the topmost soil layer). The fine texture of basaltic rocks, on the other hand, yields soils with a loam or clay-loam texture and hinders the development of E horizons. Because water percolates to greater depths and drains more…
Read More