Edaphic attributes in pedoforms of gullies, in the Southeast region of Brazil

Abstract

Water erosion acts as the main form of soil degradation, promoting the release of particles that associated with factors such as climate, relief, soil vegetation and use and occupation favor this process. This study aimed to evaluate whether gullies are more likely to be present in a specific type of landform and how physical and chemical soil characteristics vary between the internal and external environments of concave and convex gullies. The study was performed in the Cachimbal River sub-basin, Pinheiral (RJ). Gullies were mapped and the quantitative and qualitative evaluations (occurrence in concave or convex surface). For each type of landform, one gully was selected. Soil samples (disturbed and undisturbed) were collected from the internal and external surfaces of each gully at a depth of 0-10 cm and soil chemical and physical characteristics were determined. More gullies were present in convex landforms and differences in soil characteristics were observed between the internal and external gully surfaces, but not between different landforms. Ca+2, S value, H+Al, T value, Mg+2, TOC and K+ were associated with the external surface, and P, Al+3, aluminum saturation, V%, and pH with the internal surface. Natural and total clay content, and soil and particle density were the physical characteristics associated with the external surface, and total and fine sand content, porosity, degree of flocculation, and silt content with the internal surface.