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 […]

ABSTRACT Land-use effectiveness can be ensured by utilizing GIS and geostatistical tools in conjunction with land assessment methods to prevent soil erosion and salinization. This study employs a GIS-based LESA methodology, combined with geostatistics, to evaluate the land’s capacity to produce agricultural crops on calcareous soils. Land Evaluation for Agricultural Uses (LESA) key components are site assessment and land evaluation, with the former being non-soil-dependent and the latter being soil-dependent. Geostatical kriging was used to interpolate and generalize a GIS […]

ABSTRACT Diversifying pastures with forage legumes may reduce nitrogen fertilization due to biological N fixation. This study aimed to quantify forage accumulation rate and macronutrients extraction and to identify the best intercropping combination between butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) – a legume, and three warm-season forage grasses of different growth habits (signalgrass – Urochloa decumbunes, Guinea grass – Mega thyrsus maximus, and bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon). Treatments consisted of mixes of perennial herbaceous legume, butterfly pea (twining stem), with grasses, signalgrass (decumbent […]

ABSTRACT Soil legacy data is past information on soils available from various sources (e.g. survey reports and maps). When compiled and organized, data obtained through historical retrieval can be used as basic input or validation data for digital soil mapping. A bibliometric analysis of this topic can reveal research patterns, evolution, and scientific contribution, thus mapping the science produced in a specific period and determining the trend in research topics based on search terms. This article presents the characterization of […]

ABSTRACT Identifying sediment sources is fundamental for protecting and improving soil and water quality. Conventional fingerprinting studies have often collected sediments at the overall watershed outlet only, resulting in an important spatial scale dependency. This study aimed to identify and to assess the delivery patterns of sediment sources within three priority sub-catchments (Sapocaji, Piedade and Minas) located in the downstream portion of the Ipojuca River watershed in Brazil. This research would build on understanding sediment sources in the studied watershed […]

ABSTRACT Soil fauna organisms participate in a series of processes that benefit the physical and chemical soil properties; however, little is known about their spatial variability and scale. This study aimed to characterize the spatial variability of soil fauna from multifractal and joint multifractal analysis in Brazilian Savanna areas. Pitfall traps collected soil fauna in two Savanna formations (dense Savanna and typical Savanna) in two transects with 128 points. Organisms were identified and classified into functional groups (Microphages, Pollinators, Predators […]

ABSTRACT The “campos” of the Pampa are unique Brazilian ecosystems, which provide key environmental services, including C storage. These grassy ecosystems have been rapidly converted to intensive land-uses, mainly intensive grain crops (soybeans) and Eucalyptus silviculture. These new land-uses could decrease soil C stocks, depending on soil management. This study aimed to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) changes after the conversion of native grasslands to cropland (soybeans/cover crops under no-tillage) and forestry (Eucalyptus). Eight representative sites in this biome were […]

ABSTRACT Plantation forests can be efficient C sinks in biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC), but the latter depends on many factors, including climate. Tropical humid, mountain areas have cooler temperatures, slowing microbial decomposition, and thus can store considerable SOC. However, the effects of forest plantations on SOC of these montane areas are still poorly studied. Here, we aimed to assess changes in SOC, and related soil properties, after conversion of native rainforest to plantations of five tree species, with […]

ABSTRACT Soil education plays an important role in preventing soil degradation processes by raising awareness among the population about the importance of this non-renewable resource. Using new educational technologies in teaching, such as educational videos and social media, can speed up communication and information. This article aimed to develop educational videos on the topic of erosion, posted on social networks, as a way of popularizing science. Four videos of a maximum of 7 minutes were produced, which were shown in […]

ABSTRACT Macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a widespread tree in Brazil, and the oil industry has been increasing interest in this tree due to its high oil concentrations, rusticity, and adaptability to different environments. Currently, macaw palms are being domesticated and are in an early rational cultivation process. Foliar diagnosis can contribute to managing fertilization, but there is no protocol for leaf sampling. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal variation of leaf nutrient contents and indicate an adequate period […]