Biosphere: Podzol Flashcards
1
Q
associated vegetation
A
coniferous forest with shallow roots
2
Q
thin layer of acidic mor humus
A
made up of thick, waxy pine needles which take a long time to decompose
3
Q
trees have shallow roots due to
A
extensive leaching which clears the upper layer of soil of nutrients
4
Q
upper A horizon
A
stained black from mor humus
5
Q
lower A horizon
A
ash grey with a sandy texture
6
Q
iron pan
A
in upper B horizon, impeding drainage and causing waterlogging
7
Q
B horizon
A
red-brown and dense due to downward leaching
8
Q
C horizon
A
weathered rock
9
Q
cold temperatures
A
cause slow decomposition, little bacterial activity and few soil biota
10
Q
few soil biota
A
mean soil horizons are well defined but also that the soil is poorly aerated
