Different soil types develop in different climates.

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Different soil types develop in different
climates.
Image T. Loynachan
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Prairie soils have a dark surface layer
(horizon), are rich in minerals, and form in
grasslands widespread across Earths middle
latitudes.
Images NRCS
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Forest soils have a light gray upper horizon, a
horizon rich in aluminum and/or iron, and form in
warm to cool humid regions where coniferous
forests grow.
Image Soil Classifiers of Michigan
Image Bruce Molnia
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Tropical soils are reddish and iron-oxide rich,
depleted in nutrients, and form in humid and warm
regions.
Images National Cooperative Soil Survey,
University of Nebraska
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Organic soils are dark colored, rich in
decomposed organic matter, and form in poorly
drained lowlands such as swamps and wetlands.
Images Bruce Molnia, Soil Classifiers of Michigan
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Desert soils form in arid settings and are
commonly rich in calcium carbonate.
Images Martin Miller, NRCS
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Tundra soils form in Arctic environments, have a
dark organic-rich upper layer, and a mineral rich
layer over frozen ground.
Images Travis Hudson, Alaska/Yukon Society of
Professional Soil Scientists
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Different soil types develop in different
climates.
Image Image T. Loynachan
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