Characteristics of Rainforest Biome

What type of soil is formed in the rainforest biome due to tropical climate?

Latosol soils

What is the main soil-forming process in tropical climates?

Laterisation

What is laterisation?

A form of intense chemical weathering and leaching that occurs in hot, wet climates.

What happens to soluble minerals during laterisation?

They are washed out of the soil, leaving only insoluble iron and aluminium oxides.

What color do latosol soils typically have and why?

Red-orange color due to the presence of iron and aluminium oxides.

What is the characteristic of the O horizon in latosol soils?

It is thin due to intense bacterial activity that rapidly decomposes organic matter.

What does the A horizon of latosol soils contain?

Aluminium and iron oxides.

Describe the B horizon of latosol soils.

It is very deep and uniform in texture due to intense leaching.

Why do latosols have low humus content?

Due to rapid decomposition of organic matter and heavy tropical rain washing it away.

How deep can laterisation reach in latosol soils?

Many meters, with soils potentially being 40 meters deep.