Geography – Soils in rainforests and savannas | e-Consult

Both tropical red and brown earths and oxisols/latosols develop in tropical climates, but they differ in their specific characteristics. Here's a comparison:

Colour:

• Tropical Red and Brown Earths: Generally reddish-brown, but the intensity can vary. The colour is due to the presence of iron oxides.
• Oxisols/Latosols: More intensely reddish-brown, often described as dark reddish-brown. The colour is due to a higher concentration of iron and aluminium oxides.

Texture:

• Tropical Red and Brown Earths: Typically have a loam to clay texture. They can be relatively friable (easily crumbled).
• Oxisols/Latosols: Often have a more granular or blocky structure due to pedoturbation. They can be very firm when dry.

Nutrient Content:

• Tropical Red and Brown Earths: Generally more fertile than oxisols/latosols. They have a higher nutrient content, particularly in terms of potassium and calcium. However, they can still be deficient in some nutrients like nitrogen.
• Oxisols/Latosols: Generally nutrient-poor. The intense leaching removes most of the nutrients. They are often deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Suitability for Agriculture:

• Tropical Red and Brown Earths: More suitable for agriculture than oxisols/latosols, but still require careful management. They can support a range of crops, including maize, rice, and vegetables. However, they are susceptible to drought and erosion.
• Oxisols/Latosols: Less suitable for agriculture due to their poor nutrient content and acidity. Crop yields are generally low without significant fertilizer input. Suitable crops are often those that are tolerant of acidic soils, such as certain fruits (e.g., coffee, cocoa) and vegetables. Terracing is often required to prevent erosion.

Summary Table: