Tropical Rainforest Characteristics Soil

The soil is highly acidic.

Tropical rainforest characteristics soil. During the 100 million years rain wash the minerals of the soil out which make the soil acidic and poor in nutrients. Some tropical trees have developed huge buttress roots to absorb nutrients from the soil. Soils remained slightly alkaline pH 7475 with higher concentrations of calcium magnesium and potassium than in acid soils of older rainforests.

Ground level - contains less vegetation due to the dark damp conditions a thick layer of decomposing leavesand the. A thin layer of fertile soil is found at the surface where the dead leaves decompose. Because of the lack of seasonal differences due to the geographical location of the forests and the high humidity level the vegetation is luxuriant here.

Bacteria and fungi then break down most of the organic matter. Characteristics of the tropical forest. Very high annual rainfall high average temperatures nutrient-poor soil and high levels of biodiversity species richness.

Most of the soil is not very fertile. Transpiration from the evergreen trees results. 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. It is red in colour because it is rich in iron. When the soil is acidic there is little difference and therefore little absorption of nutrients from the soil.

Millions of years of weathering have washed most of the nutrients out of the soil. The recurring features of rainforests are basically the following. 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.