Tropical soils have (mostly) have a leached zone because high rainfall has dissolved and carried away all the soluble minerals. The vegetation layer is relatively thin and nutrient poor. The soil horizons are shallow, and often not very clearly distinguished. The soil does not hold onto water well with a high percent of surface runoff.
Temperate soils accumulate deep vegetation and are clearly banded into the A, B, and C horizons. The soils tend to be darker because the dark minerals have not been dissolved. The ground has a high capacity for water absorption and is nutriet rich.