Which of the following characteristics clearly distinguishes a mature soil from a juvenile one?
Answer Details
A well-developed profile clearly distinguishes a mature soil from a juvenile one. A mature soil has undergone weathering, leaching, and other soil-forming processes for a long period of time, resulting in a distinct soil profile with clearly defined horizons. A juvenile soil, on the other hand, has not undergone significant weathering or soil-forming processes and lacks a well-developed profile. The other options, such as sand fraction, nitrogen content, and pH-value, are not reliable indicators of soil maturity as they can vary depending on the type and location of the soil.