What type of soil is typically found in tropical rainforest regions?

Lateritic soil is typically found in tropical rainforest regions due to the warm, humid climate that encourages intense weathering of rocks and minerals. This type of soil forms through the process of laterization, which involves the leaching of nutrients and minerals from the soil, leaving behind a concentration of oxides, particularly iron and aluminum. The high rainfall in tropical rainforests also contributes to this leaching process, preventing the retention of nutrients that would otherwise support fertile soil. The result is a soil that can often be red or orange in color due to the iron content and has relatively low fertility, despite its richness in certain elements.

In tropical rainforests, the vegetation contributes to the development of lateritic soils by adding organic matter, but the rapid decomposition and nutrient cycle due to high temperatures and moisture further contribute to their characteristics. This makes lateritic soils specifically adapted to the conditions found in tropical rainforest ecosystems.