Why are soils in tropical rainforest nutrient deficient relative to soil in temperate woodlands?

Soils in tropical rainforests are nutrient deficient primarily due to high rainfall and rapid decomposition, which leach nutrients away and lead to quick uptake by dense vegetation. The warm, humid conditions promote a fast turnover of organic matter, but much of the nutrients are quickly absorbed by plants rather than accumulating in the soil. In contrast, temperate woodlands experience slower decomposition rates and less leaching, allowing for greater nutrient retention and buildup in the soil.