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M ollisols. Characteristics. Found in middle latitudes and prairie regions Areas with moderate temps and precipitation Organic decomposition is responsible for thick dark topsoil Results Soil generally high in nutrients. Ice free land area. Ice free land area (cont).
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Characteristics • Found in middle latitudes and prairie regions • Areas with moderate temps and precipitation • Organic decomposition is responsible for thick dark topsoil • Results • Soil generally high in nutrients
Ice free land area (cont) • Mollisols cover 7% of the Earth’s ice free land surface. • Primarily in the middle latitudes • Large amounts in central/northern U.S. • Significant amounts of mollisols are also found in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and even South America
U.S. land surface Mollisols are found in the continental U.S. in abundance. Most abundant soil order in the U.S. Covers 21.5% of U.S. land Most mollisols are found in central and western U.S.
Oxisol Profile • Granular texture. • High amounts of organic decomposition • A - shows topsoil with thick dark organic matter • Mollisols are used for agriculture when soil isn’t at water table • Suitable for corn, soybeans, and grains • Also support grazing and pasture lands for livestock.
Conslusion • Mollisols are found in moderate climates • Mollisols are formed on top of glacial till and cover a large portion of the U.S. grainbelt • They are generally fertile • High absorption of H20. soil is often saturated in wet seasons. • High amounts of clay in subsurface horizons