Soils of humid cool temperate regions

Humid cool temperate soils are widely distributed and are some of the most intensively managed soils on the planet due to their favorable properties. The genesis of humid cool temperate soils is dominated by biogeochemical processes operating in moderate temperatures with a pronounced cool season and excess moisture throughout the growing season, resulting in downward leaching of soil constituents and groundwater recharge. In combination with transported soil parent materials, progressive chemical weathering, and distinctive intergrading biomes, humid cool temperate soils represent a unique set of highly fertile soils that are of critical importance to human food, animal feed and fiber requirements.