Soils in forest areas would normally have

Soils in forest areas would normally have a high proportion of humus. This is because the forest floor is covered in organic matter such as leaves, twigs, and fallen trees that slowly decompose and contribute to the buildup of humus in the soil. Humus is a dark, organic material that is rich in nutrients and helps to improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability. Additionally, forest soils tend to have a high microbial activity as decomposers such as bacteria and fungi thrive in the organic-rich soil, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. The moisture content of forest soils can vary depending on factors such as rainfall, topography, and soil type, but they generally tend to have higher moisture content than soils in drier environments. The proportion of sand in forest soils can also vary but tends to be lower than in sandy environments, as the organic matter tends to bind with the mineral particles and improve soil structure.