Different soil types develop in different climates. Soils-4-1 Image: T. Loynachan

Why is soil different from place to place? Climate determines the acidity, fertility and depth of soil and determines the type of weathering processes that form the soil. Climate determines the acidity, fertility and depth of soil and determines the type of weathering processes that form the soil.

Prairie soils have a dark surface layer (horizon), are rich in minerals, and form in grasslands widespread across Earth’s middle latitudes. Soils-4-2 Images: NRCS

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. Soils-4-3 Image: Bruce Molnia Image: Soil Classifiers of Michigan

Tropical soils are reddish and iron-oxide rich, depleted in nutrients, and form in humid and warm regions. Heavy rains and high temperatures cause chemical weathering leaving an area that is not very fertile. Soils-4-4 Images: National Cooperative Soil Survey, University of Nebraska

Organic soils are dark colored, rich in decomposed organic matter, and form in poorly drained lowlands such as swamps and wetlands. Soils-4-5 Images: Bruce Molnia, Soil Classifiers of Michigan

Desert soils form in arid settings and are commonly rich in calcium carbonate. The low rainfall slows the chemical weathering process that produces soil. Any water that falls evaporates quickly, leaving a high salt content. Soils-4-6 Images: Martin Miller, NRCS

Tundra soils form in Arctic environments, have a dark organic-rich upper layer, and a mineral rich layer over frozen ground. Chemical weathering is also slowed in arctic climates. Most of the weathering in these regions is mechanical Soils-4-7 Images: Travis Hudson, Alaska/Yukon Society of Professional Soil Scientists

Topography Soil type is also affected by the shape of the land. Soil type is also affected by the shape of the land. Mountain sides – thin, rocky, infertile Mountain sides – thin, rocky, infertile Lowland valleys – soil retains water and rich organic materials Lowland valleys – soil retains water and rich organic materials

Different soil types develop in different climates. Soils-4-8 Image: Image: T. Loynachan