Acid Leaching
Acid leaching is
the soil-forming process in areas where trees predominate. The organic residues
(leaves and needles) that accumulate on the soil surface decompose to form
soluble (leachable) products. These products include organic acids that remove
mineral nutrients from the surface foil layer and carry the finer clay particles
down into the subsoil. As a result, the surface soil tends to have few nutrients
and is coarse in texture, while the subsoil becomes enriched with clay and less
permeable to water and roots. The scientific name for such soils is Luvisolic
soils. These soils dominate the boreal forest and foothills natural regions in
Alberta.
Department of the Environment. State of the Environment Report, Terrestrial Ecosystems. Edmonton: n.p., 2001. With permission from Alberta Environment.
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