Different soil types develop in different climates.

Image: T. Loynachan
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Prairie soils have a dark surface layer (horizon), are rich in minerals, and form in grasslands widespread across Earths middle latitudes.

Images: NRCS
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Forest soils have a light gray upper horizon, a horizon rich in aluminum and/or iron, and form in warm to cool humid regions where coniferous forests grow.

Image: Soil Classifiers of Michigan

Image: Bruce Molnia

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Tropical soils are reddish and ironoxide rich, depleted in nutrients, and form in humid and warm regions.

Images: National Cooperative Soil Survey, University of Nebraska

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Organic soils are dark colored, rich in decomposed organic matter, and form in poorly drained lowlands such as swamps and wetlands.

Images: Bruce Molnia, Soil Classifiers of Michigan

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Desert soils form in arid settings and are commonly rich in calcium carbonate.

Images: Martin Miller, NRCS

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Tundra soils form in Arctic environments, have a dark organic-rich upper layer, and a mineral rich layer over frozen ground.

Images: Travis Hudson, Alaska/Yukon Society of Professional Soil Scientists

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Different soil types develop in different climates.

Image: Image: T. Loynachan

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