THE SOIL SURVEYER ACTIVITY AND THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RURAL COMMUNITIES: OBSERVATIONS FROM FAMILY BASED FARMERS IN THE NORTH OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

Abstract

From the beginning of human existence, the human race established a close relationship with the soil. Much knowledge was created during this time. However humankind still searches for an adequate way to use this environmental resource, maintaining an equilibrium in order to achieve a harmonic relationship, essential to guarantee the survival of actual and future generations. But, even with all the scientific and technological development, no harmonic relation has being achieved between men and nature under western societies. Example of this is the scientific community challenge to produce useful and efficient knowledge for populations that live integrated with environment and outside the productive process, like family based farmers, indigenous nations, remnant groups from "quilombolas" (maroon-descendant communities), and others. The challenge to identify and register the local soil knowledge by pedologists, many times turns into inefficient soil survey in areas with those population groups. The objective of this study is to analyze the pedologist´s practice in the field activity, in relation to the soil knowledge of populations who live and work in close communion with the environment, and to discuss the importance of considering this knowledge in detailed soil mapping and in planning useful projects for these populations. Aspects of pedologist - farmer relationship are also discussed.