Podzol

• The humus of a Podzol soil

  Acid mor humus
• Acid mor humus


  Slow decomposition due to low temperatures
• More precipitation than evaporation


  Downward leaching of iron and aluminium
• Iron pan


  Between A/B horizon
• Iron pan impedes drainage


  Waterlogging
• The colour of the A horizon 


  Ash-grey
• The A horizon is ash grey


  Eluviation
• The colour of the B horizon


  Reddish-Brown
• The B horizon is reddish brown


  Illuviation
• Found of steep slopes


  Encourages leaching
• Limited organisms


  Lack of oxygen
• Limited mixing of horizons


  Limited organisms
• Coniferous trees


  Shallow roots
• Coniferous trees drop waxy needles


  Slowly decompose
• Shallow roots


  limited recycling of nutrients
• Sandstone is parent material


  Broken down quick which reduces drainage
• Distinct horizons


  Shallow roots and limited organisms