Main conditioning factors of the Cambisols formation and implications for their use in São Desidério, Western Bahia

Abstract

The cambisols of western State of Bahia (Northeastern Brazil) are less studied in terms of genesis and handling, once this portion of this State has latosols in its largest extension, where most of these studies are concentrated, due to the type of agriculture applied on these two kinds of soil. In general, the family agriculture is practiced in cambisol areas while agribusiness is more related to latosol ones. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize some morphological, chemical and physical attributes in a cambisol profile in São Desidério City, in order to provide a better understand of the relief influence in its genesis, including information about its use. In order to do so, and based on previous regional mapping, a soil profile has been chosen for morphological description, and its samples were collected and analyzed in the lab where textural analysis, particles density, organic matter content and pH have been performed. The evident cracks on the superficial and intermediate horizons show how important the clayey texture along with local seasonality is. This one is responsible for contracting the clays during the dry season and such characteristics indicate high fertility for this soil. However, the presence of cracks may negatively influence the farming, besides enhancing erosive processes under torrential rains.