Ferralsols are deeply weathered tropical soils recognized in the World Reference Base (WRB) soil classification system. They are the international equivalent of Oxisols in the USDA Soil Taxonomy and are dominated by iron and aluminum oxides and low-activity clays such as kaolinite. Ferralsols are typically acidic, well drained, and naturally low in plant-available nutrients because millions of years of weathering and leaching have removed most soluble minerals.
Although inherently low in fertility, Ferralsols have excellent physical structure, resist erosion, and allow roots to penetrate deeply. Natural tropical forests thrive on these soils by rapidly recycling nutrients through leaf litter and organic matter rather than relying on large nutrient reserves within the soil.
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