AboutRichard Ochs Expertise I can answer questions regarding basic ecology (grade
school through high school). I can also answer some
college level questions as long as they aren't extremely technical.
Experience I had been a Park Ranger/Naturalist at Grand Teton National Park for 3 summers. Prior to that I was a naturalist for 4 summers at Cattus Island County Park in New Jersey. I also graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Natural Resource Management.
Education/Credentials BS in Natural Resource Management from Rutgers University, with honors.
Awards and Honors Philip Alampi Scholar, Moorestown Rotary Scholar, Golden Key National Honor Society member.
Expert: Richard Ochs Date: 9/1/2007 Subject: Biomes
Question Hi,
For my AP Biology summer assignment I was asked to find an expert to answer a question about a biome of my choice. I've chosen the tropical rainforest, and my question is: is the soil in the rainforest extremely fertile or not, and why. I hope that you are able to answer this question. Thanks a lot for your help! -Tyler
Answer Tyler,
Well, that all depends on what we're talking about here. Where a rainforest is present, usually the top foot or less of soil is very fertile. This is due to the collection of plant matter, insects, and other decomposing organisms that make a sort of "mulch" for the plants to grow in. Below that, however, in many areas are layers of clay, silt, and other soils that are impermeable to water and difficult for roots to penetrate. So if you take the rainforest away through logging or burning you'll have about a foot of good fertile soil for a few years, but without the dense population of plants dropping plant material and the insects and other organisms breaking it down to make "mulch", you won't have good soil for very long.
