Physical characterization of a dystroferric red latosols under semideciduous seasonal forest

Abstract

Native forests, notedly belonging to Mata Atlântica biome, occupy a crescent highlight as reference in terms of original conditions in relation to actions of soil use and management. The current work aimed to evaluate and compare physical attributes of a typical dystroferric Red Latosol under the remaining of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest at campus of Federal University of Lavras, Minas Gerais state. The profile was sampled up to one meter deep. Results were submitted to variance analysis, multiple comparisons of means (Scott-Knott), correlation and linear regression tests. The profile was homogeneous, and particle density, texture, soil bulk density, total porosity and water holding capacity did not present significant variation up to one meter deep. The distribution of pores by size varied with depth and proportional alterations between macro and microporosity, and total porosity kept unchanged throughout the profile. It was observed a high water aggregates stability, which was correlated to the presence and high contents of organic matter. The profile presented low water holding capacity, signaling that this forest ecosystem is adapted to the condition of relative natural hydric stress during drought period in this region, which is typical of the occurrence area of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest.