A mixture of water, air, tiny pieces of rock, and hummus. soil. A layer of soil with different physical characteristics from the layer of soil above it and the layer of soil below it. soil horizons. soil profile. The remains of decayed plants or animals in the soil. hummus. Solid rock found under soil. bedrock. p. 333The remains of decayed plants and animals. hummus. p. 333A vertical section of soil that shows the layers. soil profile. p. 333The solid rock that forms Earth's surface. bedrock. p. 333A loose mixture of rock, organic material, water, and air in which plants grow. soil . p. 333A layer in a soil profile soil horizon. p. 333A way of managing soil that reduces erosion and maintains the nutrients plants need. soil conservation