Soil
There are 4 layers of soil in the tropical rain forest.
The top layer is made up of a thin layer of mulch like substance layered in organic matter from animals above it.
The second level, which in also semi small is called the Topsoil, this layer of soil is semi poor in nutrients because of plants growing above them taking in all the nutrients as it is produced. This confused European travelers because they thought rich soil was accountable for the expenential growth in plants.
The third layer of soil is made up of clay, this is not very ideal for the animals but it supports the topsoil keeping it in place. In some parts of the tropical rainforest the clay is too dense. Plants are not able to grow there.
The last layer of soil is made up of rock and this makes up the majority of the soil's content (almost half). No roots can grown into or past this but the rain is slowly wearing down the layer of rock. Because of this, there is also a very thin layer of sand located beteen the rock and clay.
The top layer is made up of a thin layer of mulch like substance layered in organic matter from animals above it.
The second level, which in also semi small is called the Topsoil, this layer of soil is semi poor in nutrients because of plants growing above them taking in all the nutrients as it is produced. This confused European travelers because they thought rich soil was accountable for the expenential growth in plants.
The third layer of soil is made up of clay, this is not very ideal for the animals but it supports the topsoil keeping it in place. In some parts of the tropical rainforest the clay is too dense. Plants are not able to grow there.
The last layer of soil is made up of rock and this makes up the majority of the soil's content (almost half). No roots can grown into or past this but the rain is slowly wearing down the layer of rock. Because of this, there is also a very thin layer of sand located beteen the rock and clay.