Pedological characteristics of agricultural environments at Corrente river tablelands, southwest of Bahia State, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to pedological characterization of agricultural environments, in order to fix bases for sustainable use and management of soils and for knowledge transfer to similar areas. The study area is located in the southwest of Bahia State, at the right margin of Corrente river, affluent of the left margin of São Francisco river. In this area, which has considerable agricultural and hydrological potential, various irrigation projects are in development, in almost all cases without being based upon systematic soil studies. Five environments were identified: lowlands; terraces; platforms located above the terraces; tableland areas; and dissected areas, each one with its set of characteristic soils. The crucial factors acting in the pedogenetic processes in these conditions are the parent material and the relief, which, considered in an integrated way, explain the characteristics and properties of the soil classes. The color, texture and cohesion degree are consequence of those factors and co-vary with diverse soil properties, allowing, in this manner, their utilization for a secure and efficient transfer of knowledge to similar systems.