What are pedalfers known for?

Pedalfers are recognized for their reddish color, which results from the presence of aluminum and iron oxides in the soil. These soils form under specific climatic conditions, particularly in regions with adequate moisture. The reddish hue is a characteristic feature of the leaching process that typically occurs in these soils, where minerals are transported downward through the soil profile, leading to the accumulation of iron and aluminum oxides, which impart that distinct coloration.

In contrast, pedalfers are not associated with arid or desert environments, nor are they particularly rich in calcium carbonate. Their formation is also not characteristic of hot, wet climates, as such conditions are more conducive to the development of other soil types, like laterites. Thus, the accumulation of iron and aluminum oxides in pedalfers highlights their formation under specific weathering processes and contributes to their distinctive physical appearance.