What should be noted about the boundaries of contemporary features in soils?

Diffuse boundaries in soils refer to the gradual transition from one soil feature or horizon to another, rather than a clear, defined line. This characteristic is common in many soil profiles due to factors such as natural variation, mixing through processes like bioturbation, and the influence of water and biological activity.

In many cases, soils do not have sharply defined boundaries, reflecting the complex interactions and gradient effects that occur within the soil environment. For example, variations in texture, color, or composition may change gradually rather than suddenly.

Understanding the nature of these diffuse boundaries is important for soil evaluators because it impacts soil classification, management practices, and the interpretation of soil behavior in relation to water movement, nutrient availability, and root development. In contrast, features such as abrupt boundaries indicate a more sudden transition which might not be as common in natural settings.