Chemical properties of soils a sub-basin river in environmental degradation process

Abstract

The inadequate soil management has been the main cause of erosion in sub-basin river. These areas present, due to these processes, chemical degradation of soils due to nutrients loss and absence of fertilization. This study aimed to evaluate the degradation condition of the soils and chemical properties of sub-basin river Dois Córregos. The most representative soils of sub-basin river are Red Oxisol and Red Alfisol. Investigation of eight and two samples was made in the first and second soils, respectively, totaling ten samples along the sub-basin river with five replications each, consisting respectively the uses: three areas with pastures, being two in Alfisol and one in Oxisol, three areas with eucalyptus five years and four areas with eucalyptus six months newly transplanted, all in Oxisol. The degradation process can be identified in sub-basin river Dois Córregos by deterioration in soil properties, with low levels of organic matter, phosphorus and exchangeable bases, besides the high aluminum levels in all soil uses. The soils of the study areas are sandy texture, presenting naturally low organic matter content and cation exchange capacity. The soil management concerning fertilization is of great importance to the improvement of vegetation cover due to soils chemical degradation in the sub-basin, and also because these are sandy texture and too susceptible to erosion.