the soil "footprint" is a term that refers to the layering of the soil. As soils mature and new soils are deposited, the soil layers take on distinct characteristics in layers that can be used to identify soil types. Young or disturbed soils have fewer pedons.

An individual soil unit with unique properties, formed by processes interacting between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

The smallest volume that can be called a "soil". A pedon is 3 dimensional and large enough to permit study of all horizons. Its area ranges from about 1 square meter to 10 square meters, depending on the variability of the soil.

the smallest volume that can be called a soil. It has three dimensions. It extends downward to the depth of plant roots or to the lower limit of the genetic soil horizons. Its lateral cross-section is roughly hexagonal and ranges from 1 to 10 m2 in size, depending on the variability in the horizons.

A basic soil sampling unit. Often viewed as a soil profile that goes from the surface to a depth where soil meets bedrock.