ABSTRACT Regosols (Neossolos) are soils with use limitations mainly related to effective depth, abundant presence of rock and saprolite fragments, and frequently high slope gradients; besides that, they represent a new agricultural frontier for grain production in southern Brazil. This study evaluated soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and water retention and availability in Regosols and saprolites derived from volcanic rocks in southern Brazil and the relationship of these variables with porosity in saprolithic horizons characterized by mineralogical weathering. The study was carried out on eight profiles derived from basic and acidic volcanic rocks of the Serra Geral Formation. We evaluated soil morphology, granulometry, porosity, bulk density (BD), Ksat, water retention, electronic/ optical microscopy and chemical composition of parent materials, and soil mineralogy. Soil Ksat ranged from 0.0 to 6.40 cm h-1 in the evaluated horizons, without significant difference between the A and Cr horizons. Seven soil profiles showed BD equal to or less than 1.28 Mg m-3 for the Cr samples. Total porosity in the Cr horizons was above 0.5 m3 m-3 and not significantly different from A horizons. In five of the eight soil profiles, one or more Cr horizons presented greater available water than A horizons. Electronic and optical microscopy evidenced abundant cracks and mineralogical weathering in the rock samples. X-rays diffraction data also indicated advanced degree of weathering of Cr horizons, evidencing abundant formation of pores in the saprolite. and justifying the high-water retention in Regosols profiles in southern Brazil. Neossolos (Neossolos depth fragments gradients that (Ksat Formation morphology granulometry BD, , (BD) electronic materials mineralogy 00 0 0. 640 6 40 6.4 h1 h 1 h- 128 28 1.2 m 3 m- samples 05 5 Xrays X rays highwater (BD 64 4 6. 12 2 1.

ABSTRACT Current studies have highlighted a significant gender disparity in the field of soil science. However, the scarcity of research and data on this issue can hinder the urgent need to address it and effect meaningful changes. This was the first demographic survey of Brazilian soil science, focusing on gender composition over time at different academic and professional levels, as well as peer recognition. We examined the metrics of students and faculty from all Brazilian soil science graduate programs (2004-2021), as well as members, representatives, and awards of the Brazilian Soil Science Society (SBCS) (1947-2023). There is a concentration of graduate programs with the highest evaluation scores in the South and Southeast regions of the country, reflecting regional disparities in resources and infrastructure. In 2021, gender parity in doctoral enrollments was achieved, and women aged 25 to 29 became the majority of soil science students. However, the presence of women in faculty is still very low (19 % compared to men). Moreover, the proportion of women faculty members decreases as the hierarchical level increases, indicating that attrition occurs along the career ladder. The faculty shows a trend towards aging, especially among men, indicating a potential wave of retirements in the coming years. Women constitute only 30 % of SBCS affiliations, which are predominantly comprised of men professors. There has been a sharp decline in the overall number of affiliates over the past ten years, especially among students. Women are also a minority in the SBCS representative positions and are less recognized through its awards. There is a difference in thematic intersoil within soil science by gender, both at subdisciplines and at SBCS divisions and commissions, with women being more present in soil biology and men in soil physics and management. We emphasize the pressing need to address and correct the disparities and inequities found by our study, offering recommendations aiming at broader systemic and cultural reforms within the soil science community. However changes levels recognition 20042021, 20042021 2004 2021 , (2004-2021) representatives (SBCS 19472023. 19472023 1947 2023 . (1947-2023) country infrastructure achieved 2 19 (1 men. men) Moreover increases ladder aging years 3 affiliations professors commissions management study community 2004202 200 202 (2004-2021 1947202 194 (1947-2023 1 ( 200420 20 (2004-202 194720 (1947-202 20042 (2004-20 19472 (1947-20 (2004-2 (1947-2 (2004- (1947- (2004 (1947 (200 (194 (20 (2

ABSTRACT A widespread assumption among researchers and technicians is that stony soils are more susceptible to degradation. However, the role of rock fragments in the hydrology of stony soils, especially in regard to infiltration, is still a research gap. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an increase in rock fragments in the soil profile increases the water infiltration rate. Infiltration tests using a double-ring infiltrometer were conducted on February 11, 2021, and December 11, 2022, at three sites of Entisols with different fractions of rock fragments. The results supported the hypothesis of this study. The infiltration rate was up to sixteen times greater in profiles whose horizons had at least 60 % rock fragments in relation to profiles with a lower fraction of rock fragments. These findings provide evidence that some stony soils may not be as susceptible to degradation by water erosion as it was suposed. However gap doublering double ring 11 2021 2022 6 suposed 1 202 20 2

ABSTRACT Stony soils have been increasingly used for agriculture production; however, little is known about their hydraulic properties due to problems, such as sample deformation and hydraulic continuity between samples and suction devices when the sampling and measurements are accomplished with traditional techniques. In this study, the traditional ring sampling technique was replaced by the sampling of undisturbed soil blocks coated with paraffin wax to preserve their structure. A saturated paste of fine-grained mineral particles was used to ensure contact and hydraulic continuity between samples and suction devices (sand table and ceramic plates). This allowed us to determine 30 water retention curves for three stony soils with coarse particle contents (> 2 mm) ranging from zero to 69 %. The van Genuchten model was fitted to the measured retention data and the root mean square errors were between 0.0034 and 0.0331 m3 m–3, with no outliers or odd behavior in the retention curves. These results showed that consistent water retention curves for stony soils can be determined with the technique proposed. Fine-grained minerals sandwiched between the surface of suctions sources and sampled blocks improve hydraulic continuity between them. These techniques can be applied to determine water retention properties in structured soil samples with coarse particles where it is unfeasible to collect structured soil samples with metal sampling rings. production however problems study structure finegrained fine grained sand plates. plates . plates) 3 > ( mm 6 % 00034 0 0034 0.003 00331 0331 0.033 m m–3 proposed Finegrained Fine them rings 0003 003 0.00 0033 033 0.03 m– 000 00 0.0 03 0.

ABSTRACT Soils classified as Alisols are very frequent in the sedimentary agricultural areas of southern Brazil. The presence of red mottles with morphology similar to plinthite and saprolite residue is very common in these soils, and its identification can be considered a difficult task, both in the field and in the laboratory. The incorrect identification of these redoximorphic features can affect soils’ taxonomic and technical classification. We aimed to compare morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical data to identify reddish mottles, possibly plinthites or saprolite residues, that occur in soils with high textural contrast in southern Brazil. Four soil profiles classified as Argissolos Bruno-Acinzentados (Alisols) were sampled. Matrix and mottles samples from the horizon Bt, CB, C and Cr were separated and subjected to morphological, granulometric, total sand fractionation, chemical extractions of iron and potassium and mineralogical features. Peds from each horizon were submitted to the submersion test in water for 2 and 8 hours and to 5 wetting and drying cycles. The mineralogy indicated the low degree of alteration of the samples, with abundant presence of 2:1 minerals and feldspars, even in the clay fraction. The saprolite resisted in the water submersion tests, making it difficult to interpret the results for the correct identification between plinthites and saprolite fragments. The morphological field data associated with the results of the tests of submersion in water, the cycle of wetting and drying, the dissolution of K and mineralogy, indicate the saprolithic nature of the mottles in all horizons and profiles. The submersion test in water for 2 and 8 hours was not efficient for the plinthite/saprolite identification. The cycle of wetting and drying tests allowed the identification of saprolite.

ABSTRACT Finding the proper shaking setting to ensure total particle dispersion without altering the content of sand, silt and clay in soils composed of fragile particles such as saprolite fragments is still a research gap. This study aimed to identify the best shaking setting to optimize particle dispersion and minimize particle change in samples of Entisol (Neossolos). Samples were dispersed using an electric mixer at 12,000 rpm for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min, a horizontal shaker at 150 cycles min-1 for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 h with and without the use of nylon spheres, and an ultrasonic shaker at 70 and 110 J mL-1 for approximately 20 and 30 min, respectively. All the treatments affected particle distribution. Coarse sand reduced up to 14 % and clay content increased up to 18 % with the horizontal shaker with nylon spheres and the electric mixer. These changes were attributed to the breakdown of saprolite fragments, which represented around 1/3 of the coarse sand. Our results showed that the best setting was the horizontal shaker at 150 cycles min-1 for 1 to 2 h without using nylon spheres. This option allowed optimizing particle dispersion and minimizing changes in particle size distribution.

ABSTRACT Soil physical properties can be changed after vehicle traffic, especially by heavy military tracked vehicles. The Santa Maria military Instruction Field, where the experiment was carried out, is currently the most used area for armored tracked vehicles training in Brazil, with the M113 BR being the main equipment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the straight line and pivoted traffic intensity of the M113 BR on the physical properties and advancement of the compaction state of an Abruptic Alisol (Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo Ta Distrófico abrúptico) with military vehicle traffic history. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design, independently evaluating the effect of straight and pivoting traffic in three soil layers (0.00-0.04, 0.10-0.14, and 0.20-0.24 m). For the straight-line traffic, traffic intensities (TI) with one (TI1), two (TI2), and five (TI5) passes on the same trail were evaluated. For the pivoting traffic, TI with one (TI1P) and two (TI2P) pivots was evaluated. Both studies had two non-traffic treatments (NT). The soil bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, soil penetration resistance, soil bearing capacity, preconsolidation pressure, and gravimetric water content were analyzed in this study. In the straight-line traffic, cases with no significant differences in TP, Ma, Mi, and Ks prevailed. The highest TP, smallest Bd and largest Mi were observed in the 0.10-0.14 m layer. In the pivoting traffic, one pass was sufficient to increase Bd and decrease TP, Ma, Mi, and Ks in the 0.00-0.04 m layer and the increase from one to two pivotings had a significant difference only in Mi in this same layer. Both types of traffic intensity did not affect the PR in any layer. The Abruptic Alisol, pre-compacted from long-term military training, supported the loads applied by the M113 BR when additional traffic occurred in straight line mode, but not when in pivoting mode. The preconsolidation pressure parameter was not appropriate to assess the ability of the soil to support loads applied by pivoting traffic.

ABSTRACT Human activities often alter soils found in urban areas. These alterations affect their environmental functions and potential for use. However, soils from urban areas in Brazil have not been surveyed and identified, which can pose a technical problem for the development of the city. Considering the importance of urban environments and their soils, this study aimed to evaluate the environmental and morphological characteristics and the physical properties of urban soils in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The purpose was then to organize a protocol for describing urban soils and to identify diagnostic qualifiers to subsidize establishment of an order that allows proper classification of these soils in the Brazilian Soil Classification System. The protocol containing general and environmental notes and morphological notes and qualifiers was organized based on the experience of this study and the relevant literature. The environmental, morphological, and physical analyses carried out supported interpretation of the urban soils of Santa Maria, their classification in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources system, and identification of diagnostic qualifiers proposed for the Brazilian Soil Classification System. The protocol tested in this study was adequate for data collection in the field. Soils had high variation in layer thickness, particle size composition, color, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, penetration resistance, stoniness, and the presence of artifacts. Considering the establishment of a Brazilian taxonomy for urban soils, the field data led to the proposal for new qualifiers, such as Saprolitic (residual saprolite material), Impervic (sealed/impermeable layer), Multigranic (layers with contrasting textures), Stonic (layers with stoniness), and Saprorockic (layers constituted of transported saprolite), which can be used as diagnostic attributes in the Brazilian Soil Classification System and even contribute to improvement of the order of Technosols in the World Reference Base For Soil Resources system.

ABSTRACT: Organic fertilization effect on physical-chemical properties in no-tillage systems in tropical soils has been widely investigated, but little is known about the effects of this practice on the mineralogy of the clay fraction. This study aimed to evaluate the clay-fraction mineralogy of two subtropical soils, fertilized with organic residues in long-term no-tillage systems. An Alfisol fertilized with 0, 40, and 80 m3 ha-1 yr-1 pig slurry was evaluated for eight years, and an Oxisol with 0, 8, and 16 Mg ha-1 of wood shavings with pig slurry, for six years. Soil samples from the layers 0.00-0.04, 0.04-0.08, and 0.16-0.20 m were collected and subjected to chemical extractions with DCB and oxalate, X-ray diffractometry, and thermal analysis. No mineralogical changes in the clay fraction were observed in either the Alfisol or Oxisol. The chemical dissolution data indicated no significant differences among the tested treatments with regard to the re-precipitation of low-crystallinity oxides. However, the increase in zinc extracted by DCB and zinc extracted by oxalate in the treatments with residue application was clear. The crystallinity data efficiently indicated the effects of residue rates on soil mineralogy only in the Alfisol; the increasing slurry rates induced a reduction in the percentage of hematite, increase in the percentage of goethite, increase in the Gt/Gt+Hm ratio and decreased the mean crystal diameter of goethite and hematite.

ABSTRACT The study of the relationships between the yield potential of forest stands and the conditions offered for plant development is fundamental for the adequate management of the forest when aiming at sustainable high yields. However, these relations are not clear, especially in commercial forests, on rugged terrain where relationships between the landscape, soil, and plants are more complex. Considering this, we tested the hypothesis that the morphological aspects of the soil conditioned by topography are the main limiting factors for tree development. Our objective was to evaluate the edaphic and topographic influence on the dendrometric variation of Pinus taeda L. of a forest stand in a subtropical climate at high altitude. For that, Spearman’s correlation analysis and canonical correspondence were performed on two data datasets containing pedological, topographic, and dendrometric information of a commercial plantation of Pinus taeda, in the Campo Belo do Sul, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Soil sampling and characterization was performed in two distinct designs. The first design was based on the morphological description of 11 soil profiles. The second was performed with intensive prospecting of the area, with 102 sampling locations determined through conditioned Latin hypercube sampling. For each sampling point, the height and diameter of the four nearest trees were measured and the terrain attributes were calculated from the digital elevation model. The solum depth, the thickness of the superficial horizon, elevation, and vertical distance to channel network were the main conditioning factors of the dendrometric variation, wherein taller trees were found in deeper soils, with a thicker surface horizon, in lower areas that are vertically closer to the drainage network. Our results showed that the selection of topographic and morphological variables has a significant effect on the tree height and should therefore be used to select homogeneous areas for the development of the species. In addition, we showed the importance of using an intensive sampling survey to understand dendrometric variation.

RESUMO Fragmentos de Floresta Estacional Decidual Aluvial e Submontana encontram-se ao longo de um gradiente com uma grande variação geomorfológica e pedológica. Assim, para entender as condições nesses ambientes, foram estudadas de forma detalhada as condições de solos e as formas de relevo presentes em pequenos tributários de uma microbacia de geologia sedimentar, no município de Pantano Grande, Rio Grande do Sul. Para levantar essas variáveis foram instaladas 200 parcelas de 100 m² distribuídas em 40 pontos amostrais com 5 parcelas cada, desde as cabeceiras de drenagem até a planície de inundação do rio Jacuí. Em cada unidade amostral foram coletadas amostras superficiais de solos para análise de fertilidade e composição granulométrica. Foram determinadas 16 classes de solos até o quarto nível categórico e 12 compartimentos geomorfológico e pedológico. A análise de ordenação demonstrou diferenças entre os pontos amostrais da planície e vertentes. As variáveis, altimetria, declive, textura do solo, H + Al e CTC foram as mais importantes na análise da ordenação do ambiente.

ABSTRACT The connected fragments of lowland and alluvial deciduous forests present topography with the large pedological and geomorphological variations. Thus, to understand the conditions in these environments, it was studied in details the conditions of soils and landforms present in small tributaries of a watershed in sedimentary geology, in the town of Pantano Grande, Rio Grande do Sul state. In order to assess these variables, it was established 200 plots of 100 m² divided into 40 sampling points with five plots each, the headwaters to the floodplain of the River Jacuí. In each sampling unit, it was collected surface soil samples for the analysis of fertility and granulometric composition. It was determined 16 soil classes until the fourth categorical level by the Brazilian System of Soil Classification and 12 geomorphological and soil compartments. In the ordination analysis, it showed differences between the sampling points of the plain and slopes. The variables altimetry, slope, soil texture, H + Al and CEC were the most important ones in the analysis of environment ordination.

RESUMO: O abandono de terras agrícolas e a recuperação da vegetação e dos solos exauridos têm sido um tema recentemente investigado como forma de avaliar o papel da floresta na recuperação do solo. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as mudanças nas propriedades químicas (14 variáveis) e granulométricos (areia, silte e argila) em quatro cronossequências florestais originadas após o cultivo agrícola no rebordo do Planalto Meridional, sul do Brasil. Foram selecionadas 25 florestas com idades variando de 5 a >100 anos, localizadas em áreas de encostas e patamares onde amostras de Neossolos Litólicos e Regolíticos Eutróficos foram coletados a 15cm de profundidade. A análise discriminante de Fisher demonstrou que alguns grupos de variáveis dos solos podem distinguir significativamente os solos sob as diferentes idades florestais. Seis atributos químicos relacionados com a fertilidade do solo poderiam ser considerados os melhores indicadores de monitoramento das áreas impactadas pela agricultura. As mudanças no solo não ocorreram de forma linear ao longo do tempo.

ABSTRACT: The abandonment of field crops and the vegetation recovery in exhausted soils have been a recently studied subject as a way to assess the forest role on the soil recovering. The aim of this study was assess changes in the chemical(14 variables) and grain size (sand, silt, and clay) soil features in four forests chronosequences grew over abandoned field crops in the edge of the Brazilian Southern plateau, Rio Grande do Sul State. There were selected 25 forests aging from 5 to >100 years old in areas of slopes and highlands where samples of Leptosols and Regosols were collected at 15cm in depth. The Fisher's Discriminant Analysis showed that some variable groups of soils can distinguish significantly the soils under different forest ages. Six chemical features of soil fertility were the best monitoring indicators of areas impacted by agriculture. Changes in soil did not occur in a linear way towards time.

A região da Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul estende-se por planícies e relevos suaves ondulados, com predomínio de florestas de galeria. Este estudo teve o objetivo de investigar a estrutura e a diversidade dos remanescentes de Floresta Estacional Decidual em diferentes posições na paisagem de pequenos tributários ao longo de uma microbacia em Pantano Grande, RS. Os levantamentos foram realizados em 40 pontos amostrais com 500 m2. Foi constatada a existência de três grupos ecológicos, espacialmente correlacionados à posição no relevo, tendo diferentes estágios de conservação, diversidade, estrutura e florística. O grupo 1, formação submontana (FS), destacou-se pela maior densidade de indivíduos nas maiores classes de diâmetro e pela maior altura, com alta dominância ecológica, determinada por uma particular espécie tolerante à sombra, Actinostemon concolor . O grupo 2, FA/FS, revelou-se com maior diversidade que os demais grupos, apresentando menor dominância ecológica. O grupo 3, formação aluvial (FA), foi caracterizado por indivíduos arbóreos menores e pela presença dominante deSebastiania commersoniana

Central Depression region in the state of Rio Grande do Sul extends across plains and gentle undulated reliefs, with a predominance of gallery forests. This study aimed to analyze remaining tree communities of the seasonal deciduous forest in different positions of the landscape in small tributaries of a watershed in Pantano Grande, RS, Brazil. Surveys were conducted at 40 sampling points equaling 500 m2. The analysis pointed to the existence of three ecological groups, spatially correlated with their positions in the landscape, at different stages of preservation, diversity, structure and floristic development. The community groups were named sub-montane (upper plains) and alluvial formations, and the domain area of both formations (FA/FS). TheFA/FS proved to be more diverse than the others, with lower ecological dominance in narrow fragments. Submontane stood out with higher density of individuals in the largest diameter and height classes, with high ecological dominance, determined by a particular species tolerant to shade,Actinostemon concolor . Alluvial formation (FA) was characterized by smaller individual trees and the dominant presence of Sebastiania commersoniana in narrow corridors.

A integração de métodos químicos de extração e a difração de raios-X podem ampliar o entendimento das formas de reserva de K+ nas frações do solo e o seu potencial de liberação para as plantas. Os objetivos deste estudo foram empregar os métodos de extração química para estimar a reserva mineral de K+ das frações areia, silte e argila de solos subtropicais, associar os mecanismos de extração com as formas liberadas do nutriente e acompanhar a dinâmica dessa liberação em estudo de cinética. As frações areia, silte e argila dos horizontes A e Bt de três Argissolos subtropicais foram submetidas à extração de formas não trocáveis e estruturais de K+pelos métodos: ácido oxálico 0,01 mol L-1 (cinética de liberação até o tempo acumulado de 2.889 h); HNO3 1 mol L-1 fervente; NaHSO4 na forma de cristais; e HNO3/HF/H2SO4 concentrados (teores totais). A fração argila também foi submetida a tratamento com NaOH 5 mol L-1. As esmectitas dioctaedrais na fração argila foram consideradas importantes na dinâmica de liberação de formas de reserva de K+. A maior e menor liberação de formas não trocáveis e estruturais de K+ foram pela extração com NaHSO4 e pelo ataque ácido com HNO3, respectivamente. Com os dados da cinética de liberação de K+ é possível concluir que as plantas cultivadas, nos Argissolos estudados, no longo dos anos nos solos estariam bem nutridas a partir de formas não trocáveis e estruturais de K+.

Integration of chemical extraction methods and X-ray diffraction can broaden understanding of K+ forms and reserves in soil fractions, and their potential release to plants. The aim of this study was to use chemical extraction methods to estimate mineral reserves of K+ in sand, silt, and clay from subtropical soils; to associate extraction mechanisms with the forms of K+ released; and to monitor the dynamic of K+release in a kinetics study. The sand, silt, and clay fractions of the A and Bt horizons from three subtropical Argissolos (Alfisols) underwent extraction of structural and non-exchangeable K+ forms by the following methods: 0.01 mol L-1 oxalic acid (release kinetics up to a cumulative time of 2,889 h); boiling 1 mol L-1HNO3; NaHSO4 in the form of crystals; and concentrated HNO3/HF/H2SO4 (total contents). The clay fraction also underwent treatment with 5 mol L-1 NaOH. Dioctahedral smectites in the clay fraction were considered important in the release dynamics of forms of the K+ reserve. The greatest amount of structural and non-exchangeable forms of K+ released was by NaHSO4fusion, and the smallest amount was by HNO3 dissolution. From the data on K+ release kinetics, we conclude that plants grown in the Argissolos studied would be well nourished from non-exchangeable and structural forms of K+ over the years.

Apesar de vários estudos abordando o limite inferior do solo e o seu contato com a camada saprolítica, ainda existem demandas referentes à padronização da identificação e anotação dessas variáveis no campo. Em solos rasos, a anotação correta desses limites ou contatos é essencial para determinar o seu comportamento e potencial de uso. Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar e definir o contato e, ou, zona de transição entre solo e saprolito em perfis de Argissolos derivados de arenito fino e siltito argiloso em ambiente subtropical no sul do Brasil e, subsequentemente, validar as observações de campo pelas análises multivariadas de dados obtidos no laboratório. Nos seis perfis avaliados, a sequência de horizontes encontrada foi A, Bt, C e Cr, onde C foi considerado parte do solo, em razão da sua estrutura pedogênica; e Cr, saprolito, por causa da estrutura de rocha. Os atributos morfológicos que foram determinados no campo e se evidenciaram diferentes entre os horizontes B e C e a camada Cr foram: cor, estrutura, textura e fragmentos de saprolito. De acordo com o teste de médias, os atributos que suportam a inclusão do horizonte C como parte do solo foram: areia, argila, argila dispersa em água, relação silte/argila, macroporosidade, porosidade total, resistência a penetração, capacidade de troca de cátions, ferro extraído com DCB, Al, H+Al e atividade da argila. Os atributos que suportam o horizonte C como uma zona de transição foram: silte, Ca, C orgânico total e Fe extraído com oxalato de amônio. A análise discriminante indicou diferenças entre os três horizontes avaliados (B, C e Cr).

Despite numerous studies conducted on the lower limit of soil and its contact with saprolite layers, a great deal of work is left to standardize identification and annotation of these variables in the field. In shallow soils, the appropriately noting these limits or contacts is essential for determining their behavior and potential use. The aims of this study were to identify and define the field contact and/or transition zone between soil and saprolite in profiles of an Alisol derived from fine sandstone and siltstone/claystone in subtropical southern Brazil and to subsequently validate the field observations through a multivariate analysis of laboratory analytical data. In the six Alisol profiles evaluated, the sequence of horizons found was A, Bt, C, and Cr, where C was considered part of the soil due to its pedogenetic structure, and Cr was considered saprolite due to its rock structure. The morphological properties that were determined in the field and that were different between the B and C horizons and the Cr layer were color, structure, texture, and fragments of saprolite. According to the test of means, the properties that support the inclusion of the C horizon as part of the soil are sand, clay, water-dispersible clay, silt/clay ratio, macroporosity, total porosity, resistance to penetration, cation exchange capacity, Fe extracted by DCB, Al, H+Al, and cation exchange capacity of clay. The properties that support the C horizon as a transition zone are silt, Ca, total organic C, and Fe extracted by ammonium oxalate. Discriminant analysis indicated differences among the three horizons evaluated.