Podzol (soil)

Question 1

What does the low temperatures cause? (Climate)

Answer 1

Slow decomposition, thin soil and humus takes a long time to form.
The slow decomposition causes acidic humus.

Question 2

What does the high rainfall result in? (Climate)

Answer 2

Rapid leaching of the nutrients from the a to b horizons, leaving an Ash gray coloured a horizon and causes an iron pan to develop. This can impede drainage and cause water logging.

Question 3

Where are podzols often found? (Relief)

Answer 3

On steep slopes where water can drain freely. This again promotes leaching in the soil.

Question 4

What can the steep slopes where podzols are found lead to? (Relief)

Answer 4

Erosion, leading to thinner soil

Question 5

What does the low temperatures mean? (Organisms)

Answer 5

There are few soil organisms, so there is little mixing and horizons are clearly defined

Question 6

What does little burrowing cause? (Organisms)

Answer 6

Few tunnels to allow air and water to pass through, leading to waterlogging.

Question 7

What does less eating and excretion cause? (Organisms)

Answer 7

Slower decomposition

Question 8

Why have the large angular rocks of the parent material not fully weathered? (Parent material)

Answer 8

Due to the cold and lack of deep roots to break up the rocks