Different soil types develop in different climates.

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

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

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

Tropical soils are reddish and iron-oxide rich, depleted in nutrients, and form in humid and warm regions. Images: National Cooperative Soil Survey, University of Nebraska Soils-4-4

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

Desert soils form in arid settings and are commonly rich in calcium carbonate. Images: Martin Miller, NRCS Soils-4-6

Tundra soils form in Arctic environments, have a dark organic-rich upper layer, and a mineral rich layer over frozen ground. Images: Travis Hudson, Alaska/Yukon Society of Professional Soil Scientists Soils-4-7

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

Different soil types develop in different climates.