Agricultural production in temperate and tropical countries differs...?

Question

Agricultural production in temperate and tropical countries differs due to condition of soil... is this true? i'm currently doing soil science in class and have to research on this

Answer 1

In temperate climates, the seasonal temperature differences (and the fact that it is freezing some of the winter) mean that significant amounts of organic matter can accumulate in the soil.  This may improve moisture retention and provide steady release of nutrients (as organic matter decomposes).

Tropical soils are exposed to consistently high temperatures, which prevents buildup of soil organic matter.  Organic matter which arrives at the soil surface (crop residues, tree leaves, soil amendments like manure) decomposes rapidly.  The soil is unlikely to contain a reservoir of nutrients.

Absent a nearly continual input of organic matter, tropical soils rapidly become nutrient poor and have poor water retention.  They can became baked, harsh, lateritic soils.

Contrasting the cycles for organic matter and nutrients in temperate vs. tropical soils, you can see how ag production systems would have to be different for the different areas.