Temperate forests and soils

Temperate forests are extensive in the mid-latitudes of Earth and include a broad range of forest types and climates. Temperate forest soils reflect the seasonal variability in temperature and precipitation that make them productive and highly variable. Temperate forest soils also reflect the forest vegetation under which they develop. The extent, distribution and characteristics of temperate forests and forest soils are described in this Chapter, as well as their sensitivity to climate change. Because temperate forests are often located near large human populations, they are also affected by human intervention, such as pollution, management, introduction of pests and diseases, and local and national conservation policies. We consider the effects of changing temperature and precipitation regimes, and their interactions on temperate forest soils. Also, changes in frequency and severity of extreme events, as well as changes in length and timing of the growing seasons, can significantly affect the forests and forest soils.