Podzol Soil

Question 1

Formation of a Podzol soil

Answer 1

Climate - low temperatures so decomposition is slow so thin soil. Higher rainfall so leaching of materials. Lead to formation of iron pan between A and B horizons - leads to waterlogging of topsoil

Relief - steep slopes increase rate of leaching as water flows downslope. Leads to soil erosion resulting in thinner soil

Organisms - few organisms due to cold, less mixing so horizons clearly defined

Parent Material - large and angular, no roots to break the rocks up

Vegetation - associated with coniferous trees with short roots which can’t reach goodness in B horizon. Results in acidic needles and makes soil acidic

Question 2

Podzol Temperature

Answer 2

Low temperatures so decomposition is slow which leads to thin soil

Question 3

Podzol Precipitation

Answer 3

High rainfall leading to leaching of minerals. Leads to an iron pan forming between A and B horizon - can lead to waterlogging

Question 4

Podzol Relief

Answer 4

Steep slopes, increases rate of leaching, leads to soil erosion and thinner soil

Question 5

Podzol Organisms

Answer 5

Few organisms due to cold so less mixing, horizons clearly defined. Leads to decomposition of organic materials and less tunnelling/burrowing, aiding waterlogging

Question 6

Podzol Parent Material

Answer 6

Large and angular, no roots to break up rocks

Question 7

Podzol Vegetation

Answer 7

Associated with coniferous trees with short roots, can’t read goodness in B horizon. Results in acidic needles which decompose to make the soil more acidic