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The climate with the most productive soil in the US is the ____.

A) desert climate
B) arctic climate
C) temperate forest
D) tropical rainforest

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The most productive soil in the U.S. is found in temperate zones with Type C climates, where the cycle of vegetation growth and die-off creates a rich layer of humus. Tropical rainforest soils are less nutrient-rich over time due to the lack of seasonal die-off.

Step-by-step explanation:

The climate with the most productive soil in the United States is not the tropical rainforest but rather the temperate zones with Type C climates. In these moderate and temperate climates, vegetation undergoes a cycle of growth and die-off, which contributes organic matter to the soil, forming a nutrient-rich layer known as humus. Humus acts as a natural fertilizer, replenishing the soil and making it highly fertile.

In contrast, tropical rainforest soils tend to be less nutrient-dense over the long-term because the vegetation does not die off seasonally, preventing the accumulation of humus. Therefore, temporary methods like extensive horticulture are employed to cultivate crops in nutrient-poor tropical soils, including slashing and burning to mimic the natural cycle of temperate regions.

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