ABSTRACT
Wetland soils have varying biological, physical, and chemical characteristics, although all are saturated with water and depleted of oxygen for portions of the growing season. This chapter focuses on the distribution and characteristics of forested wetland soils of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains and Mississippi River Valley regions. Wet soils dominate these areas, and forested wetlands are widespread. Soils are dynamic natural bodies consisting of horizons of predominantly organic or mineral material of variable thickness that are generally parallel to the land surface. Horizons differ from their parent material in their morphological, physical, chemical, mineralogical, and biological characteristics. Organic soils, or Histosols, develop under conditions of almost continuous saturation where drainage is poor, anaerobic conditions prevail, and litter production exceeds decomposition. Basin wetlands are found in depressions where water accumulates.
