Where does podsolization take place?

Podsolization is a pedogenic process that occurs predominantly in cool, moist climates, typically found in high middle latitudes [1]. These soils, known as Podzols or Spodosols, are characteristic of the boreal coniferous forest (taiga) regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Canada, Eurasia, and the Himalayas [2][3][5]. The process involves intense acid leaching where bacterial activity is low due to cold temperatures, leading to the removal of iron, aluminum, and organic matter from the upper horizons and their accumulation in deeper layers [1][4][5]. This results in a distinct ash-grey eluvial horizon [5]. While podzolization can occur in specific tropical settings under unique conditions, its primary global distribution is associated with the humid continental and subarctic climates of the high middle latitudes [5][6].

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Biotic: Living > p. 118
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 4. Mountain Soils > p. 11
3. [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 3: Terrestrial Ecosystems > 3.2.r. Coniferous forest (boreal forest): > p. 24
4. [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podzol
5. [4] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 23: The Cool Temperate Continental (Siberian) Climate > Distribution > p. 216
6. [6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/podzolization