... soil is only nutrient rich in the top few inches of humus> The huge biomass produces a large amount of dead matter> Warm, moist conditions are ideal for microorganisms so decomposition is rapid> Rapid growth of vegetation requires a rapid uptake of nutrients so they are immediately absorbed when released into the soil> So the constant supply of dead matter means the top layer remains nutrient rich whilst the rapid uptake by vegetation means the soil below remains depleted> The cycling of nutrients between the biomass, litter layer and soil is very rapid.> Precipitation greatly exceeds evapotranspiration so there is much leaching of minerals such as Silicone. The minerals redeposited/left behind are often iron rich hence the colour> Latosol soil is unique for its depth of upto 30m.This is because it hasn't been affected by erosive processes associated with glaciers> There is much chemical weathering of the parent rock ...

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