Soils that develop primarily due to leaching are known as what?

Soils that develop primarily due to leaching are typically referred to as wet-climate soils. This process occurs in regions with high levels of rainfall, where water percolates down through the soil profile, washing away soluble minerals and nutrients. As a result, leaching leads to a distinct soil profile characterized by the removal of certain elements, which can affect soil fertility and structure.

Wet-climate soils are often found in tropical and temperate regions where moisture availability is high, resulting in significant weathering and nutrient depletion. In contrast, soils in dry climates do not experience the same level of leaching due to lower rainfall and evaporation, which can lead to the accumulation of salts and minerals rather than their leaching away. Humid soils are a broader term that may include wet-climate soils but do not specifically indicate the leaching process. Saline soils, on the other hand, are related to high salt concentrations, often a result of limited leaching and high evaporation rather than the leaching processes characteristic of wet-climate soils.