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: The evaluation of soils in representative landscapes constitutes an opportunity to evaluate spatial distribution, discuss formation processes, and apply this knowledge to land use and management. In this sense, from the perspective of an environmentally diversified region, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the occurrence and understand the formation of soils in different geomorphic surfaces of a landscape from a mountain region in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The study was developed in the Pito Aceso microbasin in the municipality of Bom Jardim, composed of narrow valleys and a rugged mountain domain, with elevation between 640 and 1,270 m. In a representative landscape, the geomorphic surfaces were obtained from the slope segments and flow lines. On the geomorphic surfaces, soil profiles were described by their morphological properties, collected, and analyzed to describe the chemical and physical properties of each horizon. Geomorphological aspects and possible variations of the parent material directly affected pedogenesis and led to distinct soil classes in the landscape. Variation in the geomorphic surfaces directs the processes for soil formation under current conditions, as well as the preservation of polygenetic soils. Soils of lower development and with greater participation of the exchangeable cations were identified at the summit (talus deposit) (Neossolo Litólico and Cambissolo Húmico) and toeslope (colluvial-alluvial) (Neossolo Flúvico), whereas more developed soils with lower nutrient content occur in the concave (Argissolos Vermelho and Amarelo) and convex (Latossolo Amarelo) backslope, except for the Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo in the shoulder, which had high exchangeable cations contents.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes usos da terra nas características e nos atributos de Latossolos da região Oeste do Estado da Bahia. Os Latossolos apresentavam texturas com fração areia amplamente predominante, e foram avaliados em áreas de cerrado, algodão, soja e feijão, no Município de Luís Eduardo Magalhães. A caracterização morfológica e a coleta de amostras de solos para avaliação dos atributos físicos e químicos por horizontes foram feitas em minitrincheiras, enquanto a avaliação da condutividade hidráulica saturada foi feita com permeâmetro de Guelph em duas profundidades: 0,0-0,20 e 0,20-0,40 m. Os Latossolos avaliados, além de uma estrutura maciça, apresentaram horizonte genético adensado, que, sob uso agrícola, torna-se mais compactado, espesso e superficial, e forma torrões quando revolvido. O uso agrícola reduz a condutividade hidráulica saturada dos Latossolos avaliados nas duas camadas, com exceção do cultivo de feijão.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of different land uses on the characteristics and attributes of Oxisols in the western region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. The Oxisols had textures with largely predominant sand fraction, and they were evaluated in areas of cerrado, cotton, soybean, and common bean in the municipality of Luís Eduardo Magalhães. The morphological characterization and the collection of samples for evaluating soil physical and chemical attributes of horizons were carried out in small trenches, while the evaluation of field saturated hydraulic conductivity was done using the Guelph permeameter at two depths: 0.0 to 0.20 and 0.20 to 0.40 m. The evaluated Oxisols, besides their massive structure, showed a dense genetic horizon, which, under agricultural use, becomes more compacted, thick, and shallow, forming clods when plowed. Agricultural use reduces the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the evaluated Oxisols in both layers, except for common bean cultivation.