Tropical Rainforest Characteristics Soil

Some soils are also exposed.

Tropical rainforest characteristics soil. Most of the soil is not very fertile. During the 100 million years rain wash the minerals of the soil out which make the soil acidic and poor in nutrients. From a soil point of view cutting down of the rainforest disturbs the natural soil-plant cycle and makes the soils extremely vulnerable to soil erosion and loss of this vital topsoil.

The soil is highly acidic. The soils of tropical rainforests are characterized by rapid recycling of fallen leaves and other organic matter due to the large biomass of the rainforest. The forests are located in the tropical wet humid regions with an average annual rainfall of around 200-225 cm.

Ground level - contains less vegetation due to the dark damp conditions a thick layer of decomposing leavesand the. Soils remained slightly alkaline pH 7475 with higher concentrations of calcium magnesium and potassium than in acid soils of older rainforests. The top layer is made up of a thin layer of mulch like substance layered in organic matter from animals above it.

It is red in colour because it is rich in iron. Due to erosion over hundreds of millions of years white and sandy soils can be found in some parts of the Amazon River Basin. Soil - Many tropical rainforest soils are very poor and infertile.

There are major concerns about deforestation of it and the consequent damage to the soil. This high rate of decomposition is the result of phosphorus levels in the soils precipitation high temperatures and the extensive microorganism communities. Characteristics of the tropical forest.

A tropical rainforest is made up of the following layers. Soils remained slightly alkaline pH 7475 with higher concentrations of calcium magnesium and potassium than in acid soils of older rainforests. Climatic conditions in tropical rainforests have an average of 27 degrees annually and an average rainfall of approximately 200cm with a permanently high humidity.