Alfisols are moderately leached forest soils that have relatively high native fertility. These soils are well developed and contain a subsurface horizon in which clays have accumulated. Alfisols are mostly found in temperate humid and subhumid regions of the world.

Alfisols occupy ~10.1% of the global ice-free land area. In the US, they account for ~13.9% of the land area. Alfisols support about 17% of the world's population.

The combination of generally favorable climate and high native fertility allows Alfisols to be very productive soils for both agricultural and silvicultural use.

Alfisols are divided into 5 suborders: Aqualfs, Cryalfs, Udalfs, Ustalfs, and Xeralfs. Click here for more information about these suborders. Click here to view a map of their distribution in the US.