Abstract The application of pig slurry (PS) to soil is known to change its chemical and physical properties. However, little is known about the alterations that PS causes in pore morphology and water erosion. This research evaluated the influence of PS on the morphology of the pores in the surface layer of the soil and on water erosion in an Inceptisol subjected to simulated rainfall. The soil was cultivated with black oats and the treatments (doses) 0, 50, 100 and 200 m3 ha-1 of PS were applied to the crop residue. The experimental design was completely randomized. Six simulated rainfall lasting 60 minutes and planned constant intensity of 65 mm h-1 were applied to the treatments. Undisturbed soil samples were collected in the 0-0.05 m layer, 24 h before and 24 h after the first, third and sixth rainfall events. Image analysis was performed, determining the percentage of macropores and mesopores, number, diameter and shape of the pores, using the micro morphometry technique. PS doses of 100 and 200 m3 ha-1, combined with simulated rainfall, favored surface sealing and pore rearrangement. There was an increase in the number of small and rounded pores, without interconnection between them, with a consequent increase in water erosion until the moment of stabilization of the superficial crust.

Resumo O dejeto líquido de suínos (DLS) aplicado no solo reconhecidamente altera as propriedades químicas e físicas. Porém, ainda são pouco conhecidas as alterações que o DLS causa na morfologia dos poros e na erosão hídrica. Com esta pesquisa objetivou-se avaliar a influência do DLS na morfologia dos poros da camada superficial do solo e na erosão hídrica, em um Cambissolo submetido à chuva simulada. O solo foi cultivado com aveia preta e os tratamentos (dose) 0, 50, 100 e 200 m3 ha-1 de DLS foram aplicados sobre o resíduo da cultura. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado. Seis chuvas simuladas com duração de 60 minutos e intensidade constante planejada de 65 mm h-1 foram aplicadas aos tratamentos. Amostras indeformadas de solo foram coletadas na camada de 0-0,05 m, 24 h antes e 24 h após o primeiro, terceiro e sexto eventos de chuva. Foi realizada análise de imagem, determinando-se a porcentagem de macroporos e mesoporos, número, diâmetro e forma dos poros, pela técnica de micromorfometria. As doses 100 e 200 m3 ha-1 de DLS, combinadas com a chuva simulada, favoreceram o selamento superficial e o rearranjo dos poros. Houve aumento do número de poros pequenos e arredondados, sem interligação entre eles, com consequente aumento da erosão hídrica até o momento de estabilização da crosta superficial.

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: Knowledge of the hydraulic properties of the soil is of crucial importance to an understanding of the interactions between vegetation, soil and water. There is little information available about the hydraulic properties of Podzol soils found in tropical regions. The aim of this study was to present the soil morphology and hydraulic properties of a toposequence situated in a permanent plot at the Ilha do Cardoso State Park (Cananéia, SP, Brazil). Ultradetailed soil maps were used to define a toposequence inside the permanent plot. Five profiles, representing the main types of soil, were opened along the toposequence, in which Podzols are dominant. The levels of bulk density, sand content, porosity and permeability in these soils were all high. Consequently, these soils have a high level of hydraulic conductivity with low water retention. This behavior undergoes an alteration in the Bh and Bs horizons due to the accumulation of organic and metallic compounds and a changing structure that modifies the pore distribution. Furthermore, the characterization of the hydro-physical functioning of soils in natural environments is an important source of encouragement to further investigative study of soil water dynamics and its relationship to the native vegetation.

Abstract Erosion generates large amounts of sediment, which may be deposited at the site of origin, on the slope of a hill, or along waterways. The transportability of each type of sediment by runoff and its potential for subsequent deposition largely depends on its morphological features and particle size distribution. The aim of this study is to describe and characterize the morphology and micromorphology of sediments deposited in a reforested area and to understand the dynamics of the transport process. In order to understand the sedimentation processes, the following analyses were performed: particle size distribution, with and without the use of a dispersant solution; statistical analysis of the sand fraction using Folk and Ward parameters; sediment and soil micromorphology; and two-dimensional distribution and geometry of soil horizons and sediments. The sedimentation occurred in a localized and discontinuous manner and in the lowest parts of the landscape. The sediments were generated by low intensity erosive events producing well-sorted sediments and the clay in these deposits was transported mainly in the form of silt-sized clay aggregates. Microscopic analysis of the sediments was important for clarifying the genesis and transport dynamics of the sedimentary deposits.

ABSTRACT Horizons with varying degrees of cementation are a common feature of the soils from the coastal tablelands of Northeastern Brazil. In most cases, these horizons are represented by the following subsurface horizons: fragipan, duripan, ortstein, and placic. The aims of this study were to analyze differences regarding the development and the degree of expression of cementation in soils from the coastal tablelands of Northeastern Brazil: Planossolo Háplico (p-SX), Espodossolo Humilúvico (p-EK), Espodossolo Ferrihumilúvico (p-ESK), and Argissolo Acinzentado (p-PAC) pedons. The pedons studied displayed features related to drainage impediments. The cemented horizons from p-SX and p-EK had the same designation (Btgm), displaying a duric character that coincided with gleization features and are under podzolized horizons. In the p-ESK, the podzolization process is of such magnitude that it leads to the cementation of its own spodic horizons, which were both of the ortstein type (Bhsx and Bsm). In the p-PAC cementation is observed in two placic horizons and in the Btx/Bt horizon, as well as in the upper parts of the Bt/Btx horizon. Analysis of the micrographies from the cemented horizons showed predominance of a low porosity matrix. Such porosity is relatively greater in the horizons of “x” subscript than in the horizons with duric character. The Fe segregation lines were notable in the cemented horizons from p-EK and p-PAC, which corroborates the presence of placic horizons in such pedons. The preponderance of kaolinite in the clay fraction was widely verified in all the cemented horizons analyzed. Water immersion tests were the criteria adopted to define the duric character of the Btgm horizons from p-SX and p-EK, and in the Bsm horizon from the p-ESK. These tests were also used to confirm field morphology. In most cases, the maximum values of Fe, Al, and Si, determined by different extractions, occurred in positions overlaying the cemented horizons, whether they were spodic or not. The extracts of the aqueous solution displayed a noticeable accumulation of Si in the cemented horizons, except in the p-PAC. The presence of argillans in all cemented horizons allows them to be defined as illuvial, with the exception of the placic horizons, regardless of the presence of podzolization processes. The cemented horizons were preponderantly apedal, with a matrix of little porosity. The Fe, Al, and Si contents extracted by acid ammonium oxalate were effective at highlighting the influence of compounds with a low degree of crystallinity in the morphology of cemented horizons.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar atributos dos solos e de sedimentos como instrumentos para determinação dos impactos decorrentes da erosão hídrica, bem como propor redução do sobreúso dos solos no Cerrado goiano. Solos e sedimentos da mata ciliar do Córrego Ponte Nova, bem como do cultivo de soja a montante foram avaliados por micromorfometria quanto à morfologia, à granulometria e à porosidade. Na encosta cultivada, o solo foi classificado como Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, e, na mata ciliar de vereda, como Plintossolo Pétrico Concrecionário êutrico e Gleissolo Melânico Tb distrófico típico. Solos e sedimentos foram predominantemente argilosos, e a fração argila encontrava-se naturalmente agregada em partículas maiores, de tamanho silte e areia. Análises morfológicas, granulométricas e de porosidade, por micromorfometria, possibilitaram distinguir os sedimentos dos solos soterrados, pela diferenciação de coloração, textura e porosidade. Elevada concentração de agregados de argila tamanho areia no Gleissolo Melânico sugere a remoção seletiva de partículas finas, o que indica erosão no solo sob a mata ciliar. A elevada deposição de sedimentos sobre os solos da mata ciliar compromete a função de filtro do solo e também a perpetuidade e a regeneração da floresta por causa do soterramento de sementes e plântulas.

Abstract The objective of this work was to identify attributes of soil and of sediments as a tool to determine the impacts from water erosion, as well as to propose reducing the overuse of the soil in the Cerrado, in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Soils and sediments from the riparian forest of the Ponte Nova Stream and from upstream soybean crop areas were evaluated by micromorphometrics as to morphology, particle size, and porosity. Rhodic Oxisol was present in the cultivated hillside, and Petroferric Oxisol and Typic Eutraquox, in the riparian forest path. Soils and sediments were predominantly clayed, and the clay fraction was naturally aggregated into larger particles of silt and sand sizes. Analyses of morphological atributes, particle size, and porosity - by micromorphometrics - allowed to distinguish the sediment of buried soils by color, texture, and porosity differentiation. The high concentration of sandy-sized clay aggregates in Typic Eutraquox suggests the selective removal of fine particles, indicating soil erosion under the riparian forest. The high sediment deposition on the riparian forest soils is a risk to the soil filter function, and also to the perpetuity and regeneration of the forest because of the burial of seeds and seedlings.

ABSTRACT Studies of soil porosity through image analysis are important to an understanding of how the soil functions. However, the lack of a simplified methodology for the quantification of the shape, number, and size of soil pores has limited the use of information extracted from images. The present work proposes a software program for the quantification and characterization of soil porosity from data derived from 2-D images. The user-friendly software was developed in C++ and allows for the classification of pores in terms of size, shape, and combinations of size and shape. Using raw data generated by image analysis systems, the software calculates the following parameters for the characterization of soil porosity: total area of pore (Tap), number of pores, pore shape, pore shape and pore area, and pore shape and equivalent pore diameter (EqDiam). In this paper, the input file with the raw soil porosity data was generated using the Noesis Visilog 5.4 image analysis system; however other image analysis programs can be used, in which case, the input file requires a standard format to permit processing by this software. The software also shows the descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, variance, and the coefficient of variation) of the parameters considering the total number of images evaluated. The results show that the software is a complementary tool to any analysis of soil porosity, allowing for a precise and quick analysis.

ABSTRACT: Knowledge of soils in the Amazon rainforest is becoming increasingly essential due to dynamics adopted by farmers that substitute forest for pastures, together with growing pressure from diverse segments of society towards adoption of sustainable production systems. The objective of this study was to characterize the soils along two toposequences, one under forest (F) and the other under pasture (P), and to verify how the change in land use influences soil attributes, evaluating their inclusion in the Brazilian Soil Classification System (SiBCS). The soils were sampled in pits located at the summit, backslope and footslope positions for morphological, chemical, physical, and clay mineralogy analysis. The results show that the soils are chemically poor and predominately kaolinitic. Sandy and loamy sand soils are in the surface horizons, with an increase in clay content with depth. The highest values of bulk density and lowest values of macroporosity were observed in the Bt horizons due to the change from a granular structure in the surface to an angular and subangular blocky structure in these horizons. The morphological properties observed in the field are strongly influenced by the annual soil water dynamics, the parent material, and the landscape, representing diagnostic characteristics that influenced classification of the soils, such as aquic with episaturation (epirredóxico), saprolitic, and gravelly. These diagnostic characteristics in the Argissolo Amarelo (Hapludults) are important morphological properties that have not been highlighted by the current edition of the SiBCS.

ABSTRACT Different parent materials participate in the formation of soils in the hilly landscape of “Mar de Morros” in the Atlantic Forest environment. Those derived from mafic igneous rock (gabbro) frequently show erosion problems because of land use, which is aggravated by the mountainous relief and soil attributes. This study evaluated the main pedogenic processes of soils formed from mafic igneous rock (gabbro) in a toposequence in Pinheiral (RJ) by characterizing physical, chemical, mineralogical and micromorphological attributes. The profiles are located at different sections in the toposequence: summit (P1), shoulder (P2), backslope (P3) and footslope (P4).They were classified according to the Brazilian System of Soil Classification (SiBCS) and correlated to Soil Taxonomy. The soil morphology of profiles P2, P3 and P4 is expressed by a brownish-red color, blocky structure with high to moderate development, clay films and clay loam to clay texture, with a textural B horizon. P1 shows less development, with a shallow profile and the sequence of horizons A-C-Cr. The soils have a slightly low degree of weathering, identified by the presence of pyroxenes and feldspars in the sand fraction and montorillonite in the clay fraction; the sum of bases is from 15 to 24 cmolc kg-1; and cation exchange capacity (CEC) is from 12 to 22 cmolc kg-1. A significant presence of clay skins was observed in the field and was confirmed by thin section analysis, which showed features such as argillans, ferriargillans and iron nodules. The soil profile at the summit (P1) was classified as Neossolo Regolítico Órtico (Typic Udorthents), and the other profiles as Chernossolo Argilúvicos Órticos (Typic Argiudolls).

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar micromorfologicamente as modificações na porosidade do solo devido a ocorrência de eventos chuvosos considerados erosivos. Foram avaliadas a porosidade total, distribuição e número de poros de um Latossolo Vermelho - Amarelo distrófico típico (LVAd) de textura média, Argissolo Vermelho - Amarelo distrófico típico (PVAd) de textura arenosa/média e Nitossolo Vermelho Eutroférrico típico (NVef) de textura argilosa. Os solos foram preparados com auxílio de grade pesada e niveladora para garantir condições iniciais homogêneas e para simular as condições de plantio adotada em sistemas convencionais de cultivo. O solo foi mantido descoberto e foram contabilizados eventos chuvosos erosivos com intensidade superior a 25 mm h-1. Por meio das análises micromorfológicas conclui-se que os três solos apresentam a formação de crostas superficiais, sendo estas influenciadas pela textura do solo. O NVef apresentou alterações significativas na porosidade total, número e morfologia dos poros, enquanto LVAd e PVAd não sofreram modificações significativas na porosidade total, número e morfologia dos poros.

The aim of this study was to micromorphologically analyze modifications in soil porosity due to the occurrence of erosive rainfall events. Three types of soils, Typic Hapludox, Typic Hapludult and Rhodic Kandiudalf, were analyzed to determine their total porosity and the distribution and number of pores. The soils were tilled with a heavy disk and leveling harrow to ensure homogeneity of surface conditions at the beginning of the trial period and to simulate cropping conditions. The soils were kept uncovered during the trial period, and rainfall events with intensities greater than 25 mm h-1were recorded. The results showed that all of the soils presented crust formation, influenced by the soil texture. NVef showed significant changes in total porosity, pore numbers and pore morphology, while LVAd and PVAd did not display marked modifications in these attributes.

Machinery traffic in sugarcane (Saccharumsp.) plantations reduces soil physical quality, and hinders both root development and crop yield. We evaluated the physical quality of an Oxisol and the development of sugarcane roots under controlled traffic. The treatments assessed were: without controlled machinery traffic (WCT), controlled traffic by adjusting the tractor and infield wagons to a 3.0 m track width with the operator guiding the machinery (CT1) and the previous treatment using real time kinematic / global positioning system (RTK / GPS) precision auto steer (CT2). Soil samples were collected from the planting rows, seedbed and inter-row center to determine the least limiting water range (LLWR) and soil porosity from scanned 2-D images. The root dry mass was sampled from monoliths, separated from the soil by washing through a 2-mm sieve and dried in an oven. A higher LLWR was observed in the planting row under CT1 and CT2 than under WCT. The planting row had a predominance of complex pores with a diameter > 500 µm in the 0.15-0.27 m depth layer under CT1 and CT2. In the planting rows under WCT, the root dry mass was only 44 % of that measured under CT2. Benefits regarding soil physical quality and growth roots were observed when the tractor-wagon track width was adjusted based on the sugarcane spacing using either precision auto steering or manual operation of the machinery.

O manejo agrícola influencia a estrutura do solo, modificando os atributos físicos e o comportamento hídrico do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da semeadura direta (SD) e do preparo convencional (PC) sobre a estrutura do solo, por meio de atributos físicos e da distribuição dos poros, utilizando imagens digitais 2-D. O estudo foi realizado em um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico com delineamento de blocos casualizados. A densidade do solo, macroporosidade, diâmetro médio ponderado (DMP), condutividade hidráulica do solo saturado (Kfs) e análise de imagens digitais 2-D (resolução de 156,25 μm2) foram avaliadas nas profundidades de 0-0,20 e 0,20-0,40 m. Os manejos não diferiram para a densidade e macroporosidade do solo. A SD revelou maior DMP e Kfs em relação ao PC. O PC apresentou maior área total de poros na profundidade de 0-0,20 m em relação ao SD, ocorrendo o inverso na profundidade de 0,20-0,40 m. A SD apresentou maior quantidade de poros complexos de tamanho grande (>0,156 mm2) na camada de 0,20-0,40 m em relação ao PC, que evidenciou predomínio de poros arredondados. A SD demonstrou melhorias na estrutura do solo em relação ao PC, com maior estabilidade dos agregados, condutividade hidráulica e área total de poros, contribuindo para a conservação do solo e da água em sistemas produtivos.

Agricultural management affects soil structure, modifying soil physical properties and soil water movement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) on soil structure through physical properties and pore distribution in 2-D digital images. The study was conducted in an Oxisol with a randomized block design. Soil bulk density, soil macroporosity, mean weighted diameter (MWD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC), and analysis of 2-D digital images (156.25 μm2 resolution) were evaluated at the depths of 0-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m. Management systems did not differ for soil bulk density and soil macroporosity. The NT showed higher MWD and SHC compared to CT. The CT had a greater total pore area at the 0-0.20 m depth in relation to NT, with the opposite occurring at the 0.20-0.40 m depth. The NT had a greater number of complex pores of large size (>0.156 mm2) at the depth of 0.20-0.40 m in relation to the CT, which showed a predominance of rounded pores. The NT showed improvements in soil structure in relation to the CT, with greater aggregate stability, hydraulic conductivity, and total pore area, contributing to soil and water conservation in production systems.

Na avaliação da qualidade do solo para uso agrícola, a estrutura é um dos seus atributos mais importantes, sendo não somente influenciada pelo clima, pela atividade biológica e pelas práticas de manejo, como também por forças de natureza mecânica e físico-químicas atuantes no solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do manejo agrícola convencional na estrutura e microestrutura de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico de área experimental cultivada com milho. A morfologia do solo foi descrita conforme o método do perfil cultural, identificando-se as diferentes Unidades Morfologicamente Homogêneas (UMHs). Para fins de comparação, também foi descrito um perfil em área sem uso agrícola e sob revegetação natural referida por parcela Memória. Foram extraídas amostras indeformadas das principais UMHs visando a confecção de lâminas delgadas e blocos de solo destinados às análises micromorfológicas e micromorfométricas. Os resultados revelaram a ocorrência de estruturas dos tipos livre (L), fragmentada (F) e contínua (C) em ambos perfis avaliados. No perfil da parcela Memória, as estruturas fragmentadas são as dos subtipos Fptμ∆+tf e Fmt∆μ, cuja micromorfologia mostrou uma distribuição relativa enáulica-porfírica (porosa), com grande atividade biológica evidenciada pela presença de cavidades e canais. Mais abaixo, entre 0,20 e 0,35 m, o volume de solo é contínuo do subtipo C∆μ, apresentando microestrutura em blocos subangulares e matriz com distribuição relativa enáulica-porfírica, porém mais compacta e com coalescência de agregados e menor incidência de atividade biológica. O estudo micromorfométrico do solo da parcela Memória revelou predomínio de poros complexos nas unidades NAM (15,03 %), Fmt∆μ (11,72 %) e Fptμ∆+tf (7,73 %) e de poros arredondados na unidade C∆μ (8,21 %). No solo sob manejo agrícola, observaram-se estruturas fragmentadas similares às da parcela Memória entre 0,02 e 0,20 m seguidas de um volume contínua compacta (C∆μ), sem porosidade visível a olho nu e com pouquíssimas raízes. Nas UMHs sob manejo convencional, observou-se redução da porosidade de empilhamento (40 %), principalmente nas unidades contínuas (C), com surgimento de formas fissuradas e menor evidencia de atividade biológica. Concluindo, as análises morfológicas e micromorfológica dos perfis de solo estudados forneceram informações complementares acerca da qualidade estrutural do solo, em especial quanto às alterações dos tipos de poros decorrentes de estresse mecânico sofrido pelo solo.

In evaluation of soil quality for agricultural use, soil structure is one of the most important properties, which is influenced not only by climate, biological activity, and management practices but also by mechanical and physico-chemical forces acting in the soil. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of conventional agricultural management on the structure and microstructure of a Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico (Rhodic Hapludox) in an experimental area planted to maize. Soil morphology was described using the crop profile method by identifying the distinct structural volumes called Morphologically Homogeneous Units (MHUs). For comparison, we also described a profile in an adjacent area without agricultural use and under natural regrowth referred to as Memory. We took undisturbed samples from the main MHUs so as to form thin sections and blocks of soil for micromorphological and micromorphometrical analyses. Results from the application of the crop profile method showed the occurrence of the following structural types: loose (L), fragmented (F) and continuous (C) in both profiles analyzed. In the Memory soil profile, the fragmented structures were classified as Fptμ∆+tf and Fmt∆μ, whose micromorphology shows an enaulic-porphyric (porous) relative distribution with a great deal of biological activity as indicated by the presence of vughs and channels. Lower down, from 0.20 to 0.35 m, there was a continuous soil volume (sub-type C∆μ), with a subangular block microstructure and an enaulic-porphyric relative distribution, though in this case more compact and with aggregate coalescence and less biological activity. The micromorphometrical study of the soil of the Memory Plot showed the predominance of complex pores in NAM (15.03 %), Fmt∆μ (11.72 %), and Fptμ∆+tf (7.73 %), and rounded pores in C∆μ (8.21 %). In the soil under conventional agricultural management, we observed fragmented structures similar to the Memory Plot from 0.02 to 0.20 m, followed by a volume with a compact continuous structure (C∆μ), without visible porosity and with few roots. In the MHUs under conventional management, reduction in the packing pores (40 %) was observed, mainly in the continuous units (C). The microstructure had well-defined blocks, with the occurrence of planar pores and less evidence of biological activity. In conclusion, the morphological and micromorphological analyses of the soil profiles studied offered complementary information regarding soil structural quality, especially concerning the changes in pore types as result of mechanical stress undergone by the soil.

O conhecimento da curva de retenção de água (CRA) é essencial para compreender e modelar os processos hidráulicos no solo. No entanto, a determinação direta do CRA consome tempo, e o custo é alto. Além disso, é necessário grande número de amostras, em razão da elevada variabilidade espacial e temporal das propriedades hidráulicas do solo. Uma alternativa é o uso de modelos, que são chamados de funções de pedotransferência (FPT), que estimam a CRA por meio de propriedades do solo de fácil determinação. O objetivo deste estudo foi testar a acurácia de 16 FPT, pontuais ou paramétricas, existentes na literatura, em diferentes solos do sul e sudeste do Estado do Pará, Brasil. As FPT testadas foram propostas por Pidgeon (1972), Lal (1979), Aina & Periaswamy (1985), Arruda et al. (1987), Dijkerman (1988), Vereecken et al. (1989), Batjes (1996), van den Berg et al. (1997), Tomasella et al. (2000), Hodnett & Tomasella (2002), Oliveira et al. (2002) e Barros (2010). Utilizou-se um banco de dados contendo textura (areia, silte e argila), densidade do solo, carbono orgânico, pH do solo, capacidade de troca catiônica e CRA. A maioria das FPT testadas não demonstrou boa acurácia para estimar as CRA. As FPT paramétricas apresentaram melhor desempenho do que as FPT pontuais em estimar a CRA dos solos na região. Entre as FPT paramétricas, as propostas por Tomasella et al. (2000) obtiveram melhor acurácia em estimar os parâmetros empíricos do modelo de van Genuchten (1980), principalmente, quando testadas na primeira camada do solo.

Knowledge of the soil water retention curve (SWRC) is essential for understanding and modeling hydraulic processes in the soil. However, direct determination of the SWRC is time consuming and costly. In addition, it requires a large number of samples, due to the high spatial and temporal variability of soil hydraulic properties. An alternative is the use of models, called pedotransfer functions (PTFs), which estimate the SWRC from easy-to-measure properties. The aim of this paper was to test the accuracy of 16 point or parametric PTFs reported in the literature on different soils from the south and southeast of the State of Pará, Brazil. The PTFs tested were proposed by Pidgeon (1972), Lal (1979), Aina & Periaswamy (1985), Arruda et al. (1987), Dijkerman (1988), Vereecken et al. (1989), Batjes (1996), van den Berg et al. (1997), Tomasella et al. (2000), Hodnett & Tomasella (2002), Oliveira et al. (2002), and Barros (2010). We used a database that includes soil texture (sand, silt, and clay), bulk density, soil organic carbon, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and the SWRC. Most of the PTFs tested did not show good performance in estimating the SWRC. The parametric PTFs, however, performed better than the point PTFs in assessing the SWRC in the tested region. Among the parametric PTFs, those proposed by Tomasella et al. (2000) achieved the best accuracy in estimating the empirical parameters of the van Genuchten (1980) model, especially when tested in the top soil layer.

O conceito de qualidade do solo é muito discutido atualmente em razão das relações do solo com o meio ambiente (solo-planta-atmosfera) e das práticas intervencionistas do homem. Esse conceito relaciona a qualidade com a produtividade agrícola, mas sua avaliação em um contexto agronômico pode ser diferente em ecossistema natural. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os índices de qualidade física do solo, o índice S, a capacidade de aeração do solo (ACt/Pt) e a capacidade de armazenamento de água do solo (CC/Pt) da parcela permanente localizada na Estação Experimental de Caetetus em Galia, São Paulo, Brasil, sob Floresta Estacional Semidecidual e compará-los com valores de referência de índices de qualidade física do solo encontrados na literatura. Para tanto, curvas de retenção de água foram utilizadas para o cálculo desses índices. Os valores do índice S encontrados foram superiores ao limite proposto de qualidade física do solo (0,035). Os horizontes A e E apresentaram os valores mais altos, pois sua textura arenosa refletiu em elevada inclinação da curva de retenção. Os horizontes B evidenciaram os menores valores de S, pois seu adensamento natural refletiu curvas de retenção com menor inclinação. Os valores de ACt/Pt e CC/Pt foram maiores e menores que os valores definidos como ideais. Os índices de qualidade física do solo, o índice S, a capacidade de aeração do solo (ACt/Pt) e a capacidade de armazenamento de água do solo (CC/Pt) sob vegetação natural podem representar valores de referência para solos com características semelhantes que sofrem alguma atividade ou influência antrópica. Todos os índices avaliados foram eficientes para diferenciar os efeitos dos horizontes no funcionamento físico-hídrico natural dos solos estudados.

The concept of soil quality is currently the subject of great discussion due to the interaction of soil with the environment (soil-plant-atmosphere) and practices of human intervention. However, concepts of soil quality relate quality to agricultural productivity, but assessment of soil quality in an agronomic context may be different from its assessment in natural areas. The aim of this study was to assess physical quality indices, the S index, soil aeration capacity (ACt/Pt), and water storage capacity (FC/Pt) of the soil from a permanent plot in the Caetetus Ecological Reserve (Galia, São Paulo, Brazil) under a seasonal semideciduous forest and compare them with the reference values for soil physical quality found in the literature. Water retention curves were used for that purpose. The S values found were higher than the proposed limit for soil physical quality (0.035). The A and E horizons showed the highest values because their sandy texture leads to a high slope of the water retention curve. The B horizons showed the lowest S values because their natural density leads to a lower slope of the water retention curve. The values found for ACt/Pt and FC/Pt were higher and lower than the idealized limits. The values obtained from these indices under natural vegetation can provide reference values for soils with similar properties that undergo changes due to anthropic activities. All the indices evaluated were effective in differentiating the effects of soil horizons in the natural hydro-physical functioning of the soils under study.