Are rainforest soils rich or poor in quality?
Why? Asked by Andrea, Massachusetts, USA By Alexandra Kleyman Rainforest soils are poor in quality, meaning they do not have many nutrients. The very high productivity and nutrient recycling in rainforest soils creates this lack of nutrients. Insects, worms, and other organisms known as decomposers work to break down leaves and nutrients in the soil that then get used up again by the plants of the forest. The trees and shrubs of the rainforest use the nutrients for growth. So, there is a lot of richness in the rainforest, but because of rapid nutrient cycling, the soil itself is poor in quality. What are the oldest trees in the rainforest? Asked by Paula, California, USA By Heidi Dragoo Most of the old trees in the rainforest were cleared long ago for timber or farming. The oldest trees I have seen while I have been in the rainforest are the giant red cedar trees. There are very few left, but there are several that are protected, and they are amazing! They are so big they made me feel
