Look at Diagram Q6 - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 6 - 2019

The presence of coniferous forests contributes to the acidic conditions of the soil. The needles decompose slowly and release organic acids, which leads to leaching of minerals from the upper layers, affecting soil structure.

Podzol soils are typically found in regions with high levels of rainfall. This excess moisture facilitates the leaching of minerals, particularly iron and aluminum, resulting in the formation of a distinctive horizon rich in these elements.

The movement of leached materials downward through the soil profile can lead to the accumulation of iron at the boundary between the upper mineral horizon and the subsoil, creating an iron pan that can hinder drainage.

The development of podzol soils may also be affected by natural erosion, particularly on steep slopes where water can enhance leaching. This erosion can expose deeper layers that directly influence soil formation.

Analyzing the diagram shows a reddish-brown horizon typically associated with the accumulation of iron oxides, a hallmark of podzol soil formation due to leaching processes.

The shallow root system of plants in podzol ecosystems limits the recycling of nutrients back into the soil, which can further contribute to nutrient depletion in the upper horizons.

The climatic conditions associated with the regions where podzol soils are found can limit the recycling of nutrients, resulting in soil profiles that are distinctively nutrient-poor.