podzolization

Typical ashy, gray layer left from leaching of 
sesquioxides is apparent in this podzolized soil.

Photo credit: Agriculture Agri-Food Canada
Used with permission

Podzolization occurs in cool and moist climates under pine forests. They are typical of the colder portions of the humid continental and subarctic climates. The E horizon is heavily leached and basically composed a of light colored layer of sand. The upper portion of the B horizon is stained reddish color from the accumulation of sesquioxides. The profile gets lighter in color as depth increases. Podzolization of sandy soils in the southern United States has been the result of planting pine plantations.