Soil drainage is a very important ecological factor. This picture shows a somewhat poorly drained sandy soil in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Notice the standing water in the upper 50 cm of the soil profile. Poorly drained soils can inhibit tree growth due to a lack of oxygen, which is necessary for basic root and microbial respiratory processes. Wet soils can also cause equipment limitations and in some climates, wet soils are colder than well-drained soils.

Also note the indicators of poor drainage in the soil profile. The dull gray mottles in the B horizon would be a good field indicator of the seasonal water table at this location.

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