Which of the following best describes the term ‘soil profile’?

The term ‘soil profile’ refers specifically to a vertical section of soil layers, illustrating the various horizons that make up the soil. Each layer, or horizon, can have distinct physical and chemical properties, including color, texture, structure, and composition, which can provide significant information about the soil's history and how it interacts with the environment. This perspective is crucial in understanding processes like nutrient availability, water retention, and erosion.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a soil profile. Describing a section of soil with different agricultural uses focuses on applications rather than the structure of the soil itself. A description of soil texture pertains only to the physical feel of the soil particles, while a comparison of soil from different regions emphasizes differences rather than providing insight into the vertical arrangement typical of a soil profile.