Soils Temperate+Deciduous+Forest

Soils of the Temperate Deciduous Forests  There are two forms of soil found in the temperate deciduous forest, these types are Alfisols and Utilisols and each play an essential role in the ecosystem present in this biome and are responsible for providing the wildlife's essential nutrients and supporting the entire ecosystem. (G1)

Alfisols
//Brown-Forest Soils// Alfisols are responsible for sustaining 17% of the world's population and occupy 1/10th of the planet's non-ice covered soil. This rich and fertile soil can be found in moderate climates and has favorable weather for majority of the year. "Alf" in alfisols refers to it's high aluminum(Al) and iron(Fe) contents. (G2)

[[image:Alfisols.jpg width="344" height="186"]][[image:mrogren/nrcs144p2_038731.jpg width="263" height="184"]]
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Ultisols soil
//Red Clay// Ultisols also support a high percentage of the planet's population at an astounding 18%. Ultisols tend to be found in warmer climates and cover a large majority of the southern US from Florida through Louisiana all the way up into Pennsylvania. The soil's reddish yellowish appearance comes from its high oxidized iron and clay contents. This soil is often acidic with a pH below 5 and thoroughly depleted of calcium and potassium due to extreme erosion and weathering largely due to colonial era agriculture techniques. Due to these deficiencies most crops cannot be grown on the soil without the use of artificial fertilizers or lime. (G2) [|(G5 Left, G6 Right)] Previous || Home || Next