Spodosols Map
Spodosols a spodic horizon or spodic materials, both of which consist of
accumulated amorphous mixtures of organic matter and aluminum, with or without
iron. Spodosols are most extensive in areas of cool, humid or perhumid climates
in the Northeastern States, southern Alaska, the Great Lakes States, and the
high mountains of the Northwestern States. Spodosols are naturally infertile
soils, but they can be highly responsive to good management.
Dominant Suborders
Aquods
Aquods are the wet Spodosols. They are characterized by a shallow fluctuating
water table. They are in Florida and along the Atlantic coast. The vegetation is
water-loving plants, ranging from moss, shrubs, and trees in cold areas to mixed
forests and palms in the warmest areas. Most Aquods are used as forest or
wildlife habitat. Some, mostly in Florida and New Jersey, have been cleared and
are used as cropland or pasture. Aquods are naturally infertile, but they can be
highly responsive to good management.
Cryods
Cryods are the cold Spodosols of high latitudes and/or high elevations. They
are mostly in southern Alaska and in the mountains of Washington and Oregon.
Some are in the high mountains of New York and northern New England. The
vegetation is mostly coniferous forest. Most Cryods are used as forest or
wildlife habitat.
Humods
Humods are the relatively freely drained Spodosols that have a large
accumulation of organic carbon in the spodic horizon. They are mostly in
Washington State, but a few are known to occur on tropical islands and in the
Northeastern and Southeastern States. Most Humods formed under coniferous forest
vegetation. These soils are used mainly as forest.
Orthods
Orthods are the relatively freely drained Spodosols that have a moderate
accumulation of organic carbon in the spodic horizon. They are most extensive in
the Northeastern United States and the Great Lakes States. Most Orthods are used
as forest or have been cleared and are used as cropland or pasture. Orthods are
naturally infertile, but they can be highly responsive to good management. The
spodic horizon can be destroyed under cultivation, particularly if lime and
nitrogen are applied.
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