Tropical Rainforest Characteristics Soil
The tropical rainforest is often in the news for various reasons.
Tropical rainforest characteristics soil. When the soil is acidic there is little difference and therefore little absorption of nutrients from the soil. The second level which in also semi small is called the Topsoil this layer of soil is semi poor in nutrients because of plants growing above them taking in all the nutrients as it is produced. There are major concerns about deforestation of it and the consequent damage to the soil.
High animal and vegetal biodiversity. It is red in colour because it is rich in iron. The soil is thin and poor in nutrients.
Bacteria and fungi then break down most of the organic matter. The type of clay particles present in tropical rainforest soil has a poor ability to trap nutrients and stop them from washing away. The top layer is made up of a thin layer of mulch like substance layered in organic matter from animals above it.
The roots of plants rely on an acidity difference between the roots and the soil in order to absorb nutrients. Due to the high humid temperatures in tropical rainforests it speeds up and has a rapid fast growing. Only about 20 of tropical soils are suitable for agriculture.
This article addresses the climate and biodiversity of one of Earths most diverse and iconic biomes. Some soils are also exposed. Soils remained slightly alkaline pH 7475 with higher concentrations of calcium magnesium and potassium than in acid soils of older rainforests.
Some tropical trees have developed huge buttress roots to absorb nutrients from the soil. Many of these soils are oxisols and ultisols. A thin layer of fertile soil is found at the surface where the dead leaves decompose.