Brown Earth Soil

Question 1

Formation of a Brown Earth soil

Answer 1

Climate - mild temperatures so decomposition is rapid and thick fertile humus. Low rainfall so less leaching and fertile topsoil.

Relief - gentle slopes so leaching is low

Organisms - lots of organisms that eat and excrete to speed up soil formation, tunnel and burrow allows flow of air and water through soil. Organisms die and decompose adding organic matter to soil. Horizons merged.

Parent material - well weathered due to temperatures and tree roots

Vegetation - deciduous forest, long roots allow leached nutrients back into system. Leaves decompose and form fertile humus layer, stains topsoil dark brown

Question 2

Brown earth temperatures

Answer 2

Mild temperatures so decomposition is rapid resulting in a thick fertile humus

Question 3

Brown earth rainfall

Answer 3

Low rainfall so less leaching and fertile soil

Question 4

Brown earth soil relief

Answer 4

Gentle slopes so leaching is low

Question 5

Brown earth organisms

Answer 5

Lots of organisms that eat and excrete to speed up soil formation, tunnel and burrow allows flow of air and water through soil. Organisms die and decompose adding organic matter to soil. Horizons merged.

Question 6

Brown earth parent material

Answer 6

Well weathered parent material due to high temperatures and water water getting through to the C horizon and eroding rocks

Question 7

Brown earth vegetation

Answer 7

Long roots allow leached nutrients back into the system. Leaves fall and decompose, forming a fertile humus layer and staining the topsoil dark brown. Associated with deciduous tree.