Soils are the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems. They support plants, shelter a variety of animals and micro-organisms, regulate the movement of water, and are where most organic material is decomposed. The greatest amount of biological activity occurs in the A horizon, or "topsoil". The abundance and diversity of living things in the soil are influenced by factors including acidity, type of leaf or needle litter, soil texture and soil moisture. Soil offers a relatively constant environment; it lacks the wide daily or seasonal temperature fluctuations of the atmosphere.

This Document Includes:

Soil Climate
Forst Humus Forms
Restricting Layers
Ortstein Layer
Fragipan Layer
Basal-till Layer

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Additional Keywords:
mor, moder, mull, peaty moss, Anmoors.

Associated Topics:

T5 Climate
T9.1 Soil-forming Factors
T9.2 Soil Classification
T10.9 Algae
T10.10 Fungi
T11.16 Land and Freshwater Invertebrates

Associated Habitats:

H6 Forests