Mollisols

Characteristics

Found in middle latitudes and prairie regions

Areas with moderate temps and precipitation

Organic decomposition is responsible for thick dark topsoil

Results Soil generally high in nutrients

Ice free land area

Ice free land area (cont)

Mollisols cover 7% of the Earth’s ice free land surface.

Primarily in the middle latitudes Large amounts in central/northern U.S. Significant amounts of mollisols are also

found in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and even South America

U.S. land surface

Mollisols are found in the continental U.S. in abundance.

Most abundant soil order in the U.S.

Covers 21.5% of U.S. land

Most mollisols are found in central and western U.S.

Oxisol Profile

Granular texture. High amounts of organic

decomposition A - shows topsoil with

thick dark organic matter Mollisols are used for

agriculture when soil isn’t at water table

Suitable for corn, soybeans, and grains

Also support grazing and pasture lands for livestock.

Conslusion

Mollisols are found in moderate climates Mollisols are formed on top of glacial till

and cover a large portion of the U.S. grainbelt

They are generally fertile High absorption of H20. soil is often

saturated in wet seasons. High amounts of clay in subsurface

horizons