Info about temperate/forest soil?

Question

Does anyone know anything about temperate or forest soil and a soil profile of it with a b and c horizons? I need things like composition, places that have it (where it's found), temperature, what is in it etc. Any helpful links, pictures or websites are welcome.

Answer 1

Due to large amount of rainfall in forest soils, the lower layers are usually quite moist, so the tree roots usually penetrate th soil pretty deeply. A heavy amount of organic matter accumulates on top of the soil, and decomposes into the top layer. The water carries all these materials through the lower layers. Clay especially has a tendency to accumulate on the B horizon. This clay and other minerals then sometimes form a hard pan a little lower, and this keep roots and most matter from penetrating further.

Due to the protective shade, temperature usually rises at a very slow rate during the day, and drop at an equally slow rate during the evening. However the exact amount depends on elevation, longitude, precipitation, etc.

"Forest soil" probably isn't the best classification of soil. "Seventh Approximation Soil Classification System" works better all around. Oxisols, Alfisols, and Spodsols would be what you would concentrate on.

Or under the Canada system; Brunisol, Luvisol, Podzol

(see second link)

As for location... that may be harder to define find. If you look at the third & forth links, and cross reference the classification above, you should get some specific places. As for environments... forested/temperate areas?