Podzol

Podzol is a type of soil commonly found in cooler, moist regions with coniferous forests. It forms through a process called leaching, where acidic rainwater dissolves minerals and organic materials from the upper layers and them deposits them deeper down. The result is a distinct layered soil profile: a light-colored, acidic, nutrient-poor surface layer, followed by a darker, mineral-enriched zone below. Podzols tend to be less fertile and are often acidic, making them less suitable for agriculture without proper management. They are important in natural ecosystems and influence plant growth and soil chemistry.