Final answer:
Temperate deciduous forest soils are fertile due to the accumulation and decay of leaf litter, enriching the soil with nutrients. In contrast, tropical forest soils are less fertile due to constant leaching of nutrients and a lack of significant leaf litter accumulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing soil fertility between temperate deciduous forests and tropical forests:
A. Temperate Deciduous Forest Soil Fertility
The soil in temperate deciduous forests is very fertile. This biome experiences moderate annual rainfall and temperatures, leading to a thick layer of leaf litter on the forest floor. As deciduous trees lose their leaves each fall, the leaf litter decays, returning inorganic and organic nutrients to the soil. This process is enhanced by less nutrient leaching due to less intense rainfall, compared to tropical rainforests. Additionally, the leaf litter provides protection against soil erosion, insulation for the ground, and habitats for various invertebrates and their predators.
B. Tropical Forest Soil Fertility
In comparison, the soil of tropical forests is not very fertile. Despite the high diversity of plant and animal life, tropical soils are less fertile due to constant leaching of nutrients by heavy rainfall and the lack of a dormant season. The forests are evergreen, and the continuous shedding of leaves throughout the year does not provide the same buildup of leaf litter, preventing the significant accumulation of humus that enriches the soil in temperate forests. Hence, the soil does not replenish its nutrients as effectively as in temperate deciduous forests.