ABSTRACT There is a need for greater knowledge about the medium- and long-term effects of prescribed fire management on soil in ecosystems prone to wildfires and more vulnerable to climate change. This study examined the short- and medium-term effects of prescribed fire on soil chemical properties and chemical fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) in two positions of the landscape in a high-elevation grassland environment. The ecosystem is located in the mountain peaks of southeastern Brazil associated with the Atlantic Forest biome. Prescribed fire was conducted in 2017 to reduce understory vegetation and thus prevent potential severe wildfires. Soil samples were collected at the layers of 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, and 0.20-0.40 m, at eight composite sampling. The composite samples were collected on five different occasions: before the prescribed fire, and 10, 30, 90, and 240 days after the prescribed fire. Soil chemical properties, total organic carbon, labile C, and chemical fractionation of SOM were analyzed. All soil properties investigated were affected by the prescribed fire, with variations in landscape position, duration of effect, and soil layer. In the backslope area, the medium-term effect of fire was negative and induced soil degradation and induced soil degradation. In the footslope area, the system showed greater resilience to the effects of fire, as indicated by the recovery of the soil’s chemical properties. These results can help assess the suitability of controlled burning of vegetation for managing risks of fire in mountainous regions, such as high-elevation grasslands.

ABSTRACT Soils in the Brazilian Pantanal classified as Espodossolos and registered in the literature diverge from the central concept of pedogenesis by podzolization, especially due to the high values of pH and basic cations, although the morphology is similar to that of spodic horizons. In this sense, this study hypothesized that the neutral to alkaline conditions along the edges of the saline basins in the Lower Nhecolândia region do not inhibit the podzolization process nor the development of spodic soils. The objectives were to analyze the attributes of soils with spodic features and evaluate whether they correspond to a podzolization process. Four profiles in a transect in Lower Nhecolândia were selected, where the morphology indicated the presence of a spodic horizon. Three profiles (P1, P2 and P4) were located in a bay and one in the transition between a bay and a “cordilheira” (small elevation between lagoons) (P3). The soils were analyzed for particle size, chemistry and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), as well as organic carbon (C org), total carbon (TC) and XRF of the nodules. The complexity of features and characteristics of soil profiles in the Lower Nhecolândia region indicate multiple pedogenetic processes in this environment. The characteristics of all profiles denote a redoximorphic process: poor profile development (except for P3), mottles formed by precipitation of Fe and Mn oxides, as well as presence of Fe and Mn nodules. The organic matter content of these nodules is mostly greater than or equal to that of the surrounding material, and aluminum is relatively not higher than in the fine earth. This reinforces a rexodimorphic process in the horizons with spodic features. The occurrence of sodic and solodic characters, as well as clay accumulation in P3 also characterize the sodification process. The neutral to alkaline pH values in water, high sum of bases and low C org and Al oxide contents of the studied soils all contradict the occurrence of a podzolization process. However, Fe, Al and C org accumulation in the nodules and some B horizons indicate a spodic character. Also, the fact that SiBCS criteria classify the studied soils as Espodossolos indicates the relevance of establishing limits for chemical attributes, which would adjust the taxonomy of soils with a spodic character according to their pedogenesis.

ABSTRACT Soil evolves in landscapes in a natural process in which soil properties are gradually transformed. However, the transformation of argic to ferralic horizons in basic rock-derived soils under tropical conditions is poorly understood. Depending on the position of the soil profiles in landscape, evidence of pedogenetic transformation between different horizons might indicate the formation and destruction of aggregates with shiny faces. This study aimed to determine pedogenetic changes in basic rock-derived profiles in a toposequence, because soils derived from mafic rocks are not abundant in the study region (Pinheiral, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil). Trenches were dug at the summit (P1), upper (P2), middle (P3), and lower (P4) thirds along the toposequence. The morphological, physical, chemical, mineralogical, and micromorphological properties of the profiles were characterized, and a weathering index was calculated from X-ray fluorescence element values. All profiles had chemical and physical properties indicating an advanced degree of weathering resulting from the parent material and tropical climate conditions. In P1 and P4 that were classified as Nitossolos, the most evident pedogenetic processes were ferralitization and nitidization, due to the advanced degree of weathering, accumulation of oxyhydroxides and kaolinite in the horizons, and formation of textural pedofeatures by mechanical-hydric stress and evidence of the illuviation process. Profiles P2 and P3 revealed a ferralitization process and were classified as Latossolos. Absence of shiny macromorphological ped faces in some Bw horizons, and their micromorphological coexistence in Bt and Bw horizons within the same profile were associated with the transformation of the blocky into a granular microstructure, suggesting argic-ferralic horizon transformation.

ABSTRACT Throughout the Amazon region, dark-colored soils with increased fertility are identified and referred as Amazonian Dark Earths (ADE). These unique soils are characterized by an anthropic surface horizon with dark colors, presence of charcoal and artifacts, in contrast with surrounding non-ADE soils. The ADEs show extraordinary properties such as the capacity of maintaining the dark colors and high nutrient levels after years of farming, even under the highly favorable climatic conditions for oxidation of organic matter and weathering of nutrients of Amazon region. The ADE are considered islands of fertility in the Amazon biome, as well as very important models for research, in terms of agricultural and environmental sustainability, carbon sequestration, nutrient bioavailability, food security, and for anthropological studies. However, there are many unanswered questions regarding the extent of human alterations, how they were formed, and their classification in the taxonomic systems. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to identify, describe, and characterize soil profiles of ADEs, located in the Southern region of Rondônia State, Brazil, and to contribute to their classification according to the Brazilian Soil Classification System (SiBCS) and the World Reference Base (WRB). Five soil profiles were described and sampled; P1 to P3 were under grass pastures, P4 and P5 under forest and crops with no-till, respectively. The morphological, physical, and chemical attributes, as well as contents of Fe, Al, Si, and Ti oxides and extractable iron forms were characterized. The anthropic horizons exhibited dark colors, artifacts, charcoal, sandier textures, predominantly granular structures, abrupt or clear transitions, and mostly wavy and irregular boundaries. Values of pH, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , exchangeable bases (S), CEC, and C were high in all anthropic horizons. Compared to non-ADE soils in the Amazon region, phosphorus contents were superior in all anthropic horizons, with the highest values in surface horizons of P1, P2, and P3. According to SiBCS, P1 was classified as Cambissolo, P2 as Argissolo , and P3, P4, and P5 as Latossolos. Except for P4, where values of extractable P by Mehlich-1 are lower than 30 mg kg -1 , all soils fulfilled the requirements for the anthropic horizon in the SiBCS, and new classes at the subgroup level were proposed. In the WRB, P4 and P5 were classified as Ferralsols. The other profiles were classified as Anthrosols. The radiocarbon dates (C 14 ) of charcoal fragments, obtained using a mass accelerator, showed ages between 940 ± 40 and 1230 ± 60 years BP.

ABSTRACT Chemical soil analysis data can be expressed by weight (i.e., gravimetric basis) or volume (i.e., volumetric basis) of the fine earth (sieved ≥2 mm), resulting in different units, cmolc kg-1 and cmolc dm-3, respectively. The research problem is that the difference between methods to express the same soil properties hinders the comparison of results and database or dataset standardization. This paper aims to develop pedotransfer functions (PTF) to obtain the density of fine earth, which will then be used for conversion data expressed in volumetric to gravimetric basis, or vice versa, that will be applied to compare results and to standardize databases with different units. Soils samples, including profiles of the main soil orders in Brazil such as Latossolos (Ferralsols or Oxisols) and Argissolos (Acrisols or Ultisols), from the states of Rondônia, Roraima, and Mato Grosso do Sul (132 horizons) were selected and weighed (in triplicate) to obtain the fine earth mass contained in a volume of 10 cm3. The mass values were used to calculate the fine earth density. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used between the density and nine soil properties (coarse sand, fine sand, total sand, silt, clay, clay dispersed in water, clay dispersion, particle density, and organic carbon). The total sand, clay, and organic carbon showed the best correlations, therefore they were selected to construct the pedotransfer functions. Nonlinear regression techniques were used to obtain the models (PTFs) to predict density, which was used for unit conversion. As a result, the residual standard error (RSE) statistics of the models were: 0.0920, 0.1231, and 0.1633 g cm-3, respectively for PTF1 (using total sand as a predictor), PTF2 (using clay), and PTF3 (using organic carbon). Independent data was used to evaluate the accuracy of the models by residue analysis and the RSE. For the validation, the lowest RSE obtained was from the PTF1, so the best performance. Thus, to convert values of the chemical properties from a volumetric to gravimetric basis, the value must be divided by the predicted density. While, the conversion from gravimetric to volumetric basis requires that the value be multiplied by the predicted density. The PTFs using the properties total sand, clay, and organic carbon as predictor variables, allowed conversion of analytical data of soil samples expressed in the volumetric basis to gravimetric and vice versa, which can be used for dataset or database standardization.

ABSTRACT Soils in alluvial plains of the lower course of the Acaraú River, Ceará State, Brazil, are weakly developed and have a complex distribution in the landscape. This study reports the pedogenic characterization of such soils in an effort to understand their formation. Soil pits were opened in four representative sites, profile morphology was described, and soil samples were collected for chemical, physical, mineralogical, and micromorphological analyses. All profiles had weak pedogenic development, as inferred from their morphological characteristics, lack of B horizon, and high silt/clay ratio. Organic carbon and particle size distributions were heterogeneous in Fluvisol, Planosol, and Solonchak, in agreement with their sedimentary nature. Intrinsic characteristics of each profile indicated variations in pedogenic processes related to depositional conditions, which, in turn, were determined by the alluvial nature of sediments and water table dynamics. Consequently, Fluvisols at higher elevations showed reduced pedogenic development. In adjacent areas, Planosols showed pores filled with clay minerals and a texture gradient, indicative of past lessivage. Vertisol was identified in small depressions and exhibited intense pedoturbation and high sodium concentration in deep layers. Solonchak had a high degree of hydromorphism, high sodium concentration, and high electrical conductivity. The distinct pedogenesis of alluvial plain soils in Northeastern Brazil is evidenced by their morphological, chemical, and physical properties.

ABSTRACT Soil maps are important to evaluate soil functions and support decision-making process, particularly for soil properties such as pH, carbon content (C), and cation exchange capacity (CEC), but the spatial resolution and soil depth should meet the needs of users. On another hand, the efficiency of statistical models to create soil maps, with an acceptable level of accuracy, often require a large number of samples with an appropriate distribution across the area of interest. However, accessibility for sampling can be a trouble in remote areas, such as the Itatiaia National Park (INP). The hypothesis of this work is that it is possible to obtain a viable result in soil mapping of areas with limited access by using DSM tools. The general objective of this paper was to create 2- and 3-D maps of the soil properties pH, carbon content, and CEC, with the correspondent spatial uncertainty, in the INP plateau. The sampling strategy was designed using conditioned Latin Hypercube Sample (cLHS), and different methods were tested to produce the soil properties maps. For calibration of the models: linear (MLR, multiple linear regression) and nonlinear (GAM, Generalised Additive Models). The results showed differences in predictive performance for all statistical methods and covariate selection approaches. The GAM, with covariates selection based on soil formation factors, was the best method for the limited number of soil samples. The greatest uncertainty was associated with areas with the lowest accessibility and, consequently, with low sampling density and/or noises in covariates. Even though the 2- and 3-D maps of soil properties, each associated with explicit uncertainty, can contribute to the INP decision makers/managers by providing information not available before.

RESUMO Modelos digital de elevação (MDE) usados no mapeamento digital de solo (MDS) são comumente selecionados com base em medidas e indicadores (critérios de qualidade) que refletem como um determinado MDE representa a superfície da paisagem. A hipótese é que, quanto mais acurado for um DEM, mais acurada serão as predições do MDS. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar diferentes critérios para identificar o MDE que fornece as predições mais acuradas do MDS. Um conjunto de 10 critérios foi utilizado para avaliar a qualidade de nove MDEs construídos com diferentes fontes de dados, rotinas de processamento e três resoluções (5, 20 e 30 m). Modelos de regressão logística multinomial foram calibrados usando 157 observações de solo e atributos de terreno derivados de cada MDE. As predições de classe de solo foram validadas usando validação cruzada leave-one-out. Os resultados mostraram que, para cada resolução, os critérios de qualidade são úteis para identificar o MDE que representa mais precisamente a superfície da paisagem. No entanto, para todas as três resoluções, o MDE mais acurado não produziu as predições mais acuradas do MDS. Com os MDEs de resolução de 20 m, as predições do MDS foram cinco pp menos acuradas ao usar o MDE mais acurado. A resolução de 5 m foi o MDE mais acurado e resultou em predições com 44% de acurácia; este valor foi igual ao obtido com duas resoluções mais grossas, MDEs com menor acurácia. Assim, a identificação do melhor MDE para o MDS exige a avaliação da acurácia das predições do MDS usando alguma forma de validação externa, porque não necessariamente o MDE mais acurado produzirá as melhores predições do MDS.

ABSTRACT Digital elevation models (DEM) used in digital soil mapping (DSM) are commonly selected based on measures and indicators (quality criteria) that are thought to reflect how well a given DEM represents the terrain surface. The hypothesis is that the more accurate a DEM, the more accurate will be the DSM predictions. The objective of this study was to assess different criteria to identify the DEM that delivers the most accurate DSM predictions. A set of 10 criteria were used to evaluate the quality of nine DEMs constructed with different data sources, processing routines and three resolutions (5, 20, and 30 m). Multinomial logistic regression models were calibrated using 157 soil observations and terrain attributes derived from each DEM. Soil class predictions were validated using leave-one-out cross-validation. Results showed that, for each resolution, the quality criteria are useful to identify the DEM that more accurately represents the terrain surface. However, for all three resolutions, the most accurate DEM did not produce the most accurate DSM predictions. With the 20-m resolution DEMs, DSM predictions were five percentage points less accurate when using the more accurate DEM. The 5-m resolution was the most accurate DEM overall and resulted in DSM predictions with 44% accuracy; this value was equal to that obtained with two coarser resolution, lower accuracy DEMs. Thus, identifying the truly best DEM for DSM requires assessment of the accuracy of DSM predictions using some form of external validation, because not necessarily the most accurate DEM will produce the best DSM predictions.

ABSTRACT The recent approach of eliminating the use of fire for sugarcane harvesting (green cane) resulted in managing the crop on a trash-blanketed soil, which changed the content and dynamic of carbon and the nitrogen requirement. These alterations are relevant due to economic and environmental aspects of sugarcane production systems. This study aimed to evaluate changes in total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and soil organic matter fractions with the application of N-fertilizer on the residues of green cane. The experiment was with sugarcane at the fourth ratoon in Linhares, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The soil is a Xanthic Dystrudults, originated from Barreiras Group sediments in the coastal tableland region. The treatments were set in a completely randomized blocks experimental design and consisted of N (as ammonium sulphate) dosages varying from 80 to 160 kg N.ha–1 and the control. The application of increasing N doses resulted in accumulation of TOC and carbon in the humic, granulometric and oxidizable fractions of soil organic matter (SOM). It was obtained a model adjustment for quadratic regression for TOC, NT and SOM fractions. The doses between 80 and 100 kg N.ha–1 were the most favorable to accumulate carbon and the SOM fractions. N doses higher than 100 kg N.ha–1 favored SOM mineralization. The SOM fractions were responsive to application of N-fertilizer on harvesting residues of the green cane management area.

ABSTRACT: Users of soil survey products are mostly interested in understanding how soil properties vary in space and time. The aim of digital soil mapping (DSM) is to represent the spatial variability of soil properties quantitatively to support decision-making. The goal of this study is to evaluate DSM techniques (Regression Trees - RT and Multiple Linear Regressions - MLR) and the ability of these tools to predict mineral fraction content under a wide variability of landscapes. The study site was the entire Guapi-Macacu watershed (1,250.78 km2) in the state of Rio de Janeiro in the Southeast region of Brazil. Terrain attributes and remote sensing data (with 30 m of spatial resolution) were used to represent landscape co-variables selected as an input in predictive models in order to develop the explanatory variables. The selection of sampling sites was based on the Latin Hypercube algorithm. A representative set of one hundred points with feasible field access was chosen. Different input databases were tested for prediction of mineral fraction content (harmonized and original data). The Spline algorithm was used to harmonize data according to the GlobalSoil. Net consortium standards. The results showed better performance from the RT models, using input from an average of six covariates; the simplest MLR model used twice as many input variables, creating more complex models without gaining precision. Furthermore, better R2 values were obtained using RT models, irrespective of harmonization of soil data. The harmonized dataset from the 0.00-0.05 and 0.05-0.15 m layers, in general, presented better results for the clay and silt, with R2 values of 0.52 (0.00-0.05 m) and 0.69 (0.05-0.15 m), respectively. Prediction of sand content showed better results when the original depth data was used as an input, although all regression tree models had R2 values greater than 0.52. The RT models provided a better statistical index than MLR for all predicted properties; however, the variance between models suggests similarity of performance. Regarding harmonization of soil data, both input databases (harmonized or not) can be used to predict soil properties, since the variance of model performance was low and generalization of the soil maps showed similar trends. The products obtained from the digital soil mapping approach make it possible to integrate the factor of uncertainties, providing easier interpretation for soil management and land use decisions.

ABSTRACT: Records of changes in the phytosociological structure of vegetation can be observed more clearly in soils that have more significant accumulation of organic matter, like those occurring in high-mountain environments. The aim of this study was to characterize soils formed in high-mountain environments in the Itatiaia National Park (INP), state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, and to discuss the potential of preserved phytoliths as markers of vegetative history and environmental factors. Four profiles were selected, which were morphologically described and evaluated for their physical and chemical properties. For phytolith analysis and high-resolution determination of the stable carbon isotopes, samples were collected at 0.10 m intervals. The profiles showed highly similar morphological characteristics, with peat deposits and colluvial sediments as source material, produced in the highest parts of the landscape. High-mountain soils in the INP have properties related to high contents of organic matter, like high acidity, low base saturation, and high CEC values due to high H+ contents. The soils are formed by the addition of plant residues, which accumulate due to the cold and humid climate during most of the year in these environments. The phytolith assemblage had a high frequency of morphotypes characteristic of temperate, cold, and high elevation intertropical regions, especially of Pooideae plants. The phytolith indexes indicated open vegetation environments with a predominance of C3 grasses, suggesting cold climate conditions, and corroborating the δ13C isotopic values. The results of phytolith analysis of the profiles reflected characteristics related to soil genesis. Organism is the main soil formation factor, conditioned by the factors relief (elevation) and climate, which resulted in low temperatures and lead organic matter accumulation.

ABSTRACT The recent approach of eliminating the usage of fire for sugarcane harvesting resulted in managing the crop on a trashblanketed soil, to which a proper recommendation of N fertilization is lacking, a problem that remains in the coastal tablelands of the Espírito Santo State, Brazil. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of increasing N rates on stalk and sugar yields and the N use efficiency by the crop. The experimental area planted with sugarcane, at the first ratoon, is located in Linhares, Espírito Santo State. The treatments consisted of N rates varying from 80 to 160 kg N∙ha−1 as ammonium sulphate, and a control without N, in a completely randomized blocks experimental design. Stalk yield increased with the N rate, and fitting the results to a quadratic function suggests no response to fertilizer rates above 130 kg N∙ha−1. The highest margin of agricultural contribution was obtained at the rate of 100 kg N∙ha−1. The N use efficiency decreased from almost 49 to 38%, when the N rate increased from 100 to 160 kg N∙ha−1. There was no effect of increasing N rates on the sugar concentration, although the sugar yield response was positive and strongly influenced by the stalk production. Results showed the importance of reassessing the adequate N rate for maximizing yield in green cane production systems.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar alterações nos teores de C e N e abundância natural de δ13C e δ15N de um Cambissolo Háplico Tb distrófico em uma área com sistema agroflorestal (SAF). Em cada área de estudo foram coletadas amostras de solo, em 8 profundidades de 0,0–1,0 m. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas 2 × 8 (2 áreas florestais e 8 profundidades), com três repetições. Com exceção da camada superficial do solo (0,0-0,10), a área de SAF está preservando os teores de C e aumentando os teores de N (0,2-1,0) em relação à mata nativa. Ambas as áreas avaliadas apresentaram sinais de abundância natural de δ13C referente a plantas do ciclo fotossintético C3, e a área de mata nativa apresentou nas camadas superficiais (0,0-0,20) maiores valores de δ15N, demonstrando maior decomposição da matéria orgânica.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in C and N levels and in the natural abundance of δ15N and δ13C of a Inceptisol in an agroforestry system (AFS). Soil samples were collected from eight depth levels from 0.0-1.0 m in each studied area. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized 2 × 8 (2 forest areas and 8 depths) split-plot design with three replications. Except for the topsoil (0.0-0.10), the area of this AFS has preserved content of C and increased level of N (0.2-1.0) compared to the Forest. Both areas showed signs of natural abundance of δ13C in plants with C3 photosynthetic pathway, and the forest area presented higher values of δ15N in the superficial layers (0.0-0.20), indicating greater decomposition of organic matter.

ABSTRACT Bulk density (Bd) can easily be predicted from other data using pedotransfer functions (PTF). The present study developed two PTFs (PTF1 and PTF2) for Bd prediction in Brazilian organic soils and horizons and compared their performance with nine previously published equations. Samples of 280 organic soil horizons used to develop PTFs and containing at least 80 g kg-1 total carbon content (TOC) were obtained from different regions of Brazil. The multiple linear stepwise regression technique was applied to validate all the equations using an independent data set. Data were transformed using Box-Cox to meet the assumptions of the regression models. For validation of PTF1 and PTF2, the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.47 and 0.37, mean error -0.04 and 0.10, and root mean square error 0.22 and 0.26, respectively. The best performance was obtained for the PTF1, PTF2, Hollis, and Honeysett equations. The PTF1 equation is recommended when clay content data are available, but considering that they are scarce for organic soils, the PTF2, Hollis, and Honeysett equations are the most suitable because they use TOC as a predictor variable. Considering the particular characteristics of organic soils and the environmental context in which they are formed, the equations developed showed good accuracy in predicting Bd compared with already existing equations.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar ferramentas pedométricas para caracterização da composição granulométrica (areia, silte e argila) e comparação de perfis de solos hidromórficos. O estudo foi realizado na bacia hidrográfica do rio Guapi-Macacu, RJ. Foram aplicados o algoritmo "slice-wise" para o fatiamento do perfil em intervalos de 1 cm, e a função "spline" para harmonizar o conjunto de dados segundo seis intervalos de profundidade predefinidos. A análise do conjunto de perfis, por meio das funções de profundidade (slice-wise e spline) e de dendrograma de dissimilaridade, revelou que Planossolos e Gleissolos são relativamente rasos e apresentam camadas arenosas nos horizontes superficiais e teores de argila e silte irregulares em subsuperficie. Essas duas ordens ocorrem na área da bacia hidrográfica geralmente em planícies aluviais, em vales e em sopés de elevação. Os Neossolos Flúvicos apresentaram maiores quantidades de argila e silte em superfície, as quais decrescem em profundidade, e são mais profundos e ocorrem nos terraços aluviais. A abordagem permitiu descrever a variabilidade da textura dos solos hidromórficos em perfil e realizar a análise de similaridade entre as ordens, o que pode apoiar a distinção de fases em unidades de mapeamento e a identificação de critérios quantitativos para a classificação dos solos.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate pedometric tools to characterize the particle size distribution (sand, silt, and clay) and to compare the profiles of hydromorphic soils. The study was carried out in the Guapi-Macacu watershed, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The slice-wise algorithm was applied to slice the profile data at 1-cm intervals, and the equal-area spline function for database harmonization, according to six predefined depth intervals. The analysis of the soil profile collection, using the soil-depth functions (slice-wise and spline) and the similarity analysis, revealed that Alfisols and Entisols are relatively shallow and have coarse texture in the topsoil layer and a more irregular distribution of clay and silt along the soil profile. These two orders usually occur in the watershed area related to floodplains, valleys, and footslopes. Fluvisols had higher amounts of clay and silt in the topsoil layer, which decrease with soil depth, and they are deeper and occur in alluvial terraces. The approach allowed to characterize the variability of texture along hydromorphical soil profiles and to perform a similarity analysis between soil orders, which can support the differentiation of soil mapping units and the identification of quantitative criteria for soil classification.