Question

Forest soil is found in mountainous regions with forests. Which of the following statements is/are true about forest soil?

• A. It has a thick layer of organic material above its mineral layers.
• B. It provides a series of ecological services like flood regulation.
• C. Diverse plant material in forest floor are habitats for animals and micro-organisms.
• D. Micro-organisms in the soil do not contribute to soil structure, porosity, and nutrient availability.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A It has a thick layer of organic material above its mineral layers.
B It provides a series of ecological services like flood regulation.
C Diverse plant material in forest floor are habitats for animals and micro-organisms.

The formation of forest soil is dependant upon forest vegetation, recycling of organic matter and nutrients, and wide-varieties of soil-dwelling organisms. Forests soil is important for many reasons. Large amounts of carbon is stored in forest soil and organic matter. As a result, disturbances and subsequent changes in nutrient cycling in forest soils can potentially have large impacts on atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide.