Geography
Why Are Soils Different in Tropical versus Temperate Regions?
Quick fact
Tropical soils can be over 100 feet deep, yet they are often so nutrient-poor that clearing rainforest for farming leads to rapid fertility loss within just a few years.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever wondered why the rich, dark soil of a temperate farm field is so different from the deep red or yellow soil of a tropical jungle? The answer lies in how climate and life sculpt the ground beneath our feet.