Brown earth

• Deciduous forest vegetation provides deep leaf litter, which is broken down rapidly in mild climate
• Soil organisms ensure the mixing of the soil, aerating it and preventing the formation of distinct layers within the soil.
• Climate with precipitation slightly exceeding evaporation allows for downward leaching of the most soluble minerals and the possibility of an iron pan forming, impeding drainage.
• South-facing slopes in the northern hemisphere, receiving a greater amount of sunshine and higher temperatures, increase the rate of decomposition resulting in a humus layer.
• Rock type determines the rate of weathering, with hard rocks such as schist taking longer to weather, producing thinner soils.
• Softer rocks, such as shale, weather more quickly.
• Relief tends to be found on gentler slopes, leading to lower rates of erosion so thicker soils.
• Brown Earth diagram