Evaluation of characteristics of Cambisols derived from limestone in low tablelands in northeastern Brazil: implications for management

Abstract

Soils of the low tablelands in Northeastern Brazil have high natural fertility, however, little is known about them. The objective of this study is to provide basic information about the soil and how soil properties relate to their use and management. Two Cambisol pedons were morphologically described and were submitted to physical, chemical and mineralogical analyses. The soils on mid to upper landscape positions are Eutrophic Cambisols and those in lower positions are Vertic Cambisols. For both soils, pH is above 7 and base saturation is higher than 90%. In order to ensure crop production, N, P and micronutrients have to be added as fertilizers. Water runs off the Eutrophic Cambisols and runs on to the Vertic Cambisols, so the Vertic soils have more water available for plant growth. In the Eutrophic Cambisols the main constraints are susceptibility to drought and erosion, while in the Vertic Cambisols the waterlogging risk and mechanization impediments are the critical limitations. Soil properties such as landscape position, color, drying velocity and shrinkage are easily-identifiable field attributes that can be used to recognize different soils that should be managed differently.