Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram: (a) Determinar e avaliar a cor dos solos pelo método convencional e com equipamento colorímetro e sua implicação na classificação de solos: (b) Estimar teores de hematita a partir da cor do solo. O matiz de 80 amostras de solos foi determinado por cinco experientes pesquisadores pela comparação com a carta de Munsell e diretamente com um colorímetro. A cor de 15 amostras de solos pertencentes a diferentes regiões do Estado de São Paulo foi determinada utilizando um colorímetro e a partir de dados de reflectância obtidos por radiômetro. As cores foram determinadas no sistema L*a*b* e Munsell. Para cada amostra foram determinados os teores de hematita e calculados os índices de avermelhamento (IAV) a partir das cores obtidas. Os coeficientes de correlação, variando de 0,68 a 0,94 entre as determinações do matiz, constataram que os pedólogos produziram dados que validaram o estudo. No entanto, houve confirmação de que as medidas realizadas por pedólogos não coincidem, sendo difeprentes também das determinações feitas pelo colorímetro. Índices de precisão (IP) indicaram haver concordância em apenas 8,75 % das determinações em amostras úmidas e 17,5 % nas amostras secas, sendo constatado que as divergências resultariam em erros na classificação dos solos. Os IAVs apresentaram alta correlação com os teores de hematita das amostras, sendo maior para correlações com índices determinados a partir de cores no sistema L*a*b* do que no sistema Munsell. Modelos exponenciais mostraram-se mais adequados na predição dos teores de hematita. / The objectives of the present work were: (a) Determine and evaluate color by the conventional method, and its comparison with colormeter equipment and their implication with soil classification; (b) Estimate of hematite contents by using soil color data. The hue of 80 samples of soils was determined by five experienced soil scientists by the comparison with the Munsell’s soil color charts and by a colorimeter. Color of 15 soil samples from different sites of São Paulo State were determined by colorimeter and from reflectance data obtained with radiometer. The correlation coefficients, varying from 0,68 to 0,94 of hue determinations, showed that the soil scientists produced data that validated the study. However, there was confirmation that the measures accomplished by soil scientists were not coincident and also differed from the colormeter. The values of precision index (PI) indicated an agreement of only 8,75% in moist samples and 17,5% in the dry samples, which would result in mistakes in the soil classification. Colors were achieved by L*a*b* and Munsell systems. For each sample, hematite content were determinated and the redness indexes (RI) calculated. The RI presented high correlation with hematite contents, and higher correlations for colors obtained in L*a*b* than those obtained in Munsell system. Exponential models were more effective in predicting hematite contents.

Irrigation needs to be applied to soils in relatively humid regions such as western Kentucky to supply water for crop uptake to optimize and stabilize yields. Characterization of soil and crop variability at the field scale is needed to apply site specific management and to optimize water application. The objective of this work is to propose a characterization and modeling of soil and crop processes to improve irrigation management. Through an analysis of spatial and temporal behavior of soil and crop variables the variability in the field was identified. Integrative analysis of soil, crop, proximal and remote sensing data was utilized. A set of direct and indirect measurements that included soil texture, electrical conductivity (EC), soil chemical properties (pH, organic matter, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn), NDVI, topographic variables, were measured in a silty loam soil near Princeton, Kentucky. Maps of measured properties were developed using kriging, and cokriging. Different approaches and two cluster methods (FANNY and CLARA) with selected variables were applied to identify management zones. Optimal scenarios were achieved with dividing the entire field into 2 or 3 areas. Spatial variability in the field is strongly influenced by topography and clay content. Using Root Zone Water Quality Model 2.0 (RZWQM), soil water tension was modeled and predicted at different zones based on the previous delineated zones. Soil water tension was measured at three depths (20, 40 and 60 cm) during different seasons (20016 and 2017) under wheat and corn. Temporal variations in soil water were driven mainly by precipitation but the behavior is different among management zones. The zone with higher clay content tends to dry out faster between rainfall events and reveals higher fluctuations in water tension even at greater depth. The other zones are more stable at the lower depth and share more similarities in their cyclic patterns. The model predictions were satisfactory in the surface layer but the accuracy decreased in deeper layers. A study of clay mineralogy was performed to explore field spatial differences based on the map classification. kaolinite, vermiculite, HIV and smectite are among the identified minerals. The clayey area presents higher quantity of some of the clay minerals. All these results show the ability to identify and characterize the field spatial variability, combining easily obtainable data under realistic farm conditions. This information can be utilized to manage resources more effectively through site specific application.

"September 2001" / Bibliography: leaves 144-159. / xix, 159 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / The two main aims of this study were: 1) to determine if the presence of Calcium carbonate in soil was the reason behind soils from Yorke Peninsula having relatively high OC (organic carbon) contents, given local farming practices, and 2) to determine the effect that the composition of the soils' OC has on the mineralisation rates. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agronomy and Farming Systems, 2002

The study sheds light on the occurrence and development of earth mounds in the Mkhuze Wetlands, KwaZulu-Natal. It compares this system with the Okavango Delta. The conceptual model developed by Ellery and co-workers for mima mound development in the Okavango Delta is said to have worldwide applicability (Ellery at al. 1998). This study investigates the applicability of this model in the formation and development of earth mounds in Mkhuze Floodplain. The activities of termite species are regarded as responsible for the formation of earth mounds in the Okavango Delta. The Mkhuze Wetlands represent one of South Africa’s most pristine wetland systems (Cowan 1995). They have also been declared as part of the Isimangaliso Park, a World Heritage Site (Cowan 1995). Many studies have been conducted in Mkhuze Wetlands in order to gain more knowledge and understanding of how the system functions, so that it can be managed wisely. Although termites are thought to be associated with these features (Adams 2004), very little has been done to assess or even verify if the changes in soil chemistry and mineralogy across these mounds can be linked to termite activities. This study investigates the soil mineralogy and physico-chemical properties across mounds found in the Mkhuze Wetlands and determines through its findings any possible link to termite activities. Most mounds in Mkhuze were identified in the intermittently flooded region of the floodplain. Results from particle size analysis were indicative of a bimodal distribution in mound soils. Two major components in mounds were a combination of clay size particles, silts and very fine sand, and fine to medium sand, with traces of coarse sand. There was a significant difference in the distribution of soil particle size fractions found on mounds compared to soils adjacent to the mounds. The chemical composition of the clay size particles found on the mounds was different when compared to that found in adjacent soils. There were also higher concentrations of minerals derived from solute chemicals found in the centre of the mounds at depth. Precipitation of solutes in mid regions of the mounds is thought to attest to spatial evapotranspiration rates across mounds. Although no direct evidence of termites was found in the mounds, there are indications that termites have been responsible for the development of the mounds and that in certain mounds plants have led to mound growth due to precipitation of solutes driven by evapotranspiration. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:53:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 3804010 bytes, checksum: a7e6fd6b0be4482ad931d87955437622 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-16 / Periglacial environments constitute one of the most important components of the global landscape, especially with regards to regulatory processes of water, temperature and carbon. Weathering processes related to ice action and the presence of permafrost are peculiar characteristics of these environments, which include regions of high altitude and/or latitude around the globe. Among the general processes of weathering and soil formation common to free ice areas of Antarctica, it is observed that some of these processes take major or minor importance when they are observed in details for the formation of specific landscapes. The Seymour Island (Marambio) is located in the Northern portion of the Weddell Sea and it is composed of sediments dating from the Late Cretaceous to the Lower Tertiary, cut by basaltic dikes. These sediments are constituted of glauconitic sands, bituminous silts, sulfides and carbonates coming from fossil. The main factors which influence the pedogenesis are the arid and cold climates favoring the presence of soluble salts in abundance, the occurrence of sediments rich in sulfides and the bird activity leading to the formation of ornithogenic soils. Thus, this work aimed at describing properties of soils developed on polar semi desert of Seymour Island, identifying and analyzing pedogenic factors and processes in different pedological systems of the island; and, finally, classifying such soils according to Soil Taxonomy and WRB (FAO) classification systems. It was described profiles of representative soils from different pedoambientes and collected samples of pedogenic horizons. In samples of fine ground dried on air, it was promoted a pretreatment to remove soluble salts. It was also promoted chemical and physical routines as soil pH, potential acidity (H + Al), extraction and determination of exchangeable bases; the total organic carbon, electrical conductivity, particle size and dry soil color. The profiles were classified according to the Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources classification systems. Most of the soils showed permafrost inside the control section and, consequently, they were classified as Gelisols and Cryosols by the Soil Taxonomy and WRB/FAO, respectively. In general, they presented little cryoturbation, which is explained by the low humidity of the system (dry permafrost). The physical weathering is less active than those observed in the Antarctic Maritime due to the decreased cryoclastic. Similarly, the soils indicate lower chemical weathering compared to more humid regions of Antarctica, since the high aridity is a limiting factor for triggering chemical reactions in general. It was emphasized the salinisation, phosphate and sulfurization as the main processes of soil formation on the island. The soils are mostly saline, nátric, eutrophic, alkaline, and contain high CTC. According to the interpretation of the morphological, physical, chemical, mineralogical characteristics, classification and specific environmental conditions, the soils from the Seymour Island were divided into three groups. They are: immature alkaline soils on sandstones and siltstones; sulfate and ornithogenic soils. It was observed that the definition of the different pedological systems on the island is closely connected to the difference of the relief, which is decisive for the presence of permafrost dried or coated by ice. Another important factor is the constitution of the original material with lower or higher content of sulfides, carbonates and other minerals. Several features of the landscape suggest a more humid paleoenvironmental condition. Both phosphate and sulfurization are important sources of acidity for this alkaline system. The Soil Taxonomy and WRB/FAO systems do not have adequate classification criteria to classify all the soils developed in areas of climate transitions that are affected by salts, phosphate and sulphidesoxidise. / Os ambientes periglaciais constituem um dos mais importantes componentes da paisagem global, principalmente no que diz respeito a processos regulatórios de água, temperatura e carbono. Processos intempéricos relacionados à ação do gelo e presença de permafrost são características peculiares desses ambientes, que englobam regiões de elevada altitude e/ou latitude por todo o planeta. Dentre os processos gerais de intemperismo e de formação de solo comuns às áreas livres de gelo da Antártica, observa-se que alguns desses processos tomam maior ou menor importância quando observados em detalhe para a formação de paisagens específicas. A ilha Seymour (Marambio) encontra-se na porção setentrional do Mar de Weddell e é formada por sedimentos originados desde o Cretáceo Superior até o Terciário Inferior, cortados por diques basálticos. Esses sedimentos são compostos por areias glauconíticas, siltes betuminosos, sulfetos e carbonatos advindos de fósseis. Os principais fatores que influenciam a pedogênese são: o clima árido e frio, favorecendo a presença de sais solúveis em abundância, a ocorrência de sedimentos ricos em sulfetos e a atividade da avifauna levando à formação de solos ornitogênicos. Nesse sentido, os objetivos desse trabalho foram descrever propriedades de solos desenvolvidos em semideserto polar da Ilha Seymour; identificar e analisar fatores e processos pedogenéticos nos diferentes pedoambientes da ilha; e classificar tais solos nos sistemas de classificação Soil Taxonomy e WRB (FAO). Foram descritos perfis de solos representativos de diferentes pedoambientes e coletados amostras dos horizontes pedogenéticos. Em amostras de terra fina seca ao ar, promoveu-se o pré-tratamento para remoção de sais solúveis; rotinas químicas e físicas como pH em água, acidez potencial (H + Al), extração e determinação de bases trocáveis; carbono orgânico total, condutividade elétrica, granulometria e cor do solo seco. Os perfis foram classificados segundo a Soil Taxonomy e pelo sistema de classificação da World Reference Base for Soil Resources. A maioria dos solos apresentaram permafrost dentro da seção de controle, sendo, portanto, enquadrados como Gelisols e Cryosols pela Soil Taxonomy e WRB/FAO, respectivamente. De forma geral, apresentaram pouca crioturbação, explicada pela pouca umidade do sistema (permafrost seco). O intemperismo físico é menos atuante do que se observa na Antártica Marítima devido à diminuição da crioclastia. Da mesma forma, os solos indicam menor intemperismo químico em relação a regiões mais úmidas da Antártica, uma vez que a elevada aridez é fator limitante para o desencadeamento de reações químicas em geral. Destacamos a salinização, a fosfatização e a sulfurização como principais processos de formação de solos na ilha. Os solos são em sua maioria salinos, nátricos, eutróficos, alcalinos e com elevada CTC. De acordo com interpretação das características morfológicas, físicas, químicas, mineralógicas, classificação e condições ambientais específicas, os solos da Ilha Seymour foram agrupados em três grupos: solos alcalinos pouco evoluídos sobre arenitos e siltitos; solos sulfatados e solos ornitogênicos. Observou-se que a definição dos diferentes pedoambientes na ilha está intimamente ligada à diferenciação do relevo sendo este, determinante para a presença de permafrost seco ou cimentado por gelo. Outro fator determinante é a constituição do material de origem, com menor ou maior conteúdo de sulfetos, carbonatos e outros minerais. Diversos traços da paisagem sugerem uma condição paleoambiental mais úmida. Tanto a fosfatização, quanto a sulfurização são importantes fontes de acidez para esse sistema generalizadamente alcalino. Os sistemas Soil Taxonomy e WRB/FAO não possuem critérios de classificação adequados para classificar todos os solos desenvolvidos em áreas de transição climática que sejam afetados por sais, fosfatização e sulfidização.

Le Sud du Brésil est une région où l'agriculture est très intensive et la pression sur les sols est beaucoup plus importante que dans la région amazonienne. Ainsi, il est nécessaire de développer des études qui relient le développement du sol avec son matériau source respectif, en détaillant les transformations dans la zone de transition sol-roche et ses implications pour les activités environnementales et humaines. Dans ce contexte, ce travail vise à: (i) caractériser les aspects minéralogique, pédochimique et géochimiquedes profils d'altération développés en l'absence d'action humaine ou avec une intervention minimale; (ii) caractériser qualitativement et semi-quantitativement les minéraux primaires et les minéraux pedogenic dans les sols insérés dans les régions importantes de l'écosystème du Rio Grande do Sul; et (iii) évaluer l'impact des différentes intensités de pâturage sur la minéralogie d’un Oxisol sous système intégré de production soja-élevage dans le sud du Brésil. Cette étude concerce des sols du Rio Grande do Sul dont le climat subtropical (températures moyennes annuelles ~17°C, précipitations moyennes annuelles ~1800 mm/an) favorise l’accumulation de matiére organique ainsi que la formation de minéraux argileux 2:1. Les indices d'altération (Weathering Intensity Scale - WIS et Chemical Index of Alteration - CIA) établis à partir de la composition chimique des profils d'altération permettent de classer les profils selon leur degré d’altération qui correspond également à des compositions minéralogiques différentes (smectite, smectite + kaolinite, kaolinite). L'étude a montré que des sols formés à partir de la même roche ont des différences importantes liées aux différences climatiques et de relief. Finalement, après 12 ans de culture des sols avec un système intégré culture-élevage, les surfaces non pâturées présentent une proportions moins important de minéraux 2:1. D'autre part, les surfaces sous pâturage intensif et pâturage modéré présentent un comportement similaire attribué à une aluminisation plus élevée de la couche interfoliaire de minéraux 2:1. L'aluminisation plus élevée sous gestion intensive et modérée peut fixer une partie de l'aluminium dans la phase solide du sol, ce qui pourrait le rendre moins disponible pour les plantes et diminuer sa phytotoxicité. / O sul do Brasil é uma região com uma agricultura muito intensa e com grande pressão de uso do solo, consideravelmente mais intenso do que na região da Amazônia. Assim, é necessário desenvolver estudos que relacionem o desenvolvimento do solo com seu respectivo material de origem, detalhando as transformações na zona de transição solo-rocha e suas implicações para as atividades ambientais e humanas. Neste contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo: (i) caracterizar os aspectos mineralógicos, pedoquimicos e geoquimicos dos perfis de alteração desenvolvidos na ausência ou mínima ação humana; (ii) caracterizar qualitativa e semi-quantitativamente os minerais primários e os minerais pedogênicos em solos inseridos em regiões ecossistêmicas importantes do Rio Grande do Sul; e (iii) avaliar o impacto de diferentes intensidades de pastejo na mineralogia de um Latossolo, sob sistema de produção integrada soja-bovinos de corte no sul do Brasil.Este estudo foi realizado em solos do Rio Grande do Sul, onde o clima subtropical (temperatura média anual ~ 17°C, precipitação anual média de 1800mm/ano) favorece o acúmulo de matéria orgânica ea ocorrência de argilominerais 2:1.Os índices de intemperismo (Weathering Intensity Scale - WIS e Chemical Index of Alteration - CIA), considerando a composição mineralógica dos perfis de alteração, indicaram a seguinte sequência crescente do grau de intemperismo: esmectita < caulinita - esmectita < caulinita. O estudo mostrou diferenças importantes nos solos, mesmo entre aqueles formados a partir do mesmo material de origem, devido às diferenças climáticas e de relevo. Por fim, após 12 anos sob um sistema integrado de produção de soja-bovinos de corte, as áreas não pastejadas apresentaram menor intensidade para os argilominerais 2:1. Por outro lado, as áreas sob pastejo intensivo e pastejo moderado apresentaram comportamento semelhante, devido à maior aluminização da entrecamada dos argilominerais 2:1. A maior aluminização sob pastejo intensivo e moderado pode ser um dreno de alumínio na fase sólida do solo, tornando-o menos disponível para as plantas e diminuindo sua fitotoxicidade. / The Southern Brazil is a region with a very intensive agriculture and the pressure on soil use is considerably more intense than in the Amazonian region. Thus, it is necessary to develop studies that relate the soil development with its respective source material, detailing the transformations in the soil-rock transition zone and its implications for the environmental and human activities. In this context, this work aims to: (i) characterize the mineralogical and pedochemical alterations and geochemical evolution the profiles of the alteration developed in the absence, or the minimal human action; (ii) characterize both qualitatively and semi-quantitatively the primary and pedogenic minerals present in soils of important ecosystems in Rio Grande do Sul; And (iii) evaluate the effect of grazing intensities on the mineralogy of an Oxisol, in an integrated soybean-cattle beef production system of southern Brazil. This study concerns soils of Rio Grande do Sul, where the subtropical climate (mean annual temperature ~17°C, mean annual precipitation 1800mm/yr) favored the accumulation of organic matter and occurrence of 2:1 clay minerals. The indexes of weathering (Weathering Intensity Scale - WIS and Chemical Index of Alteration - CIA), considering the mineralogical composition of the alteration profiles, indicated the following increasing sequence of the degree of weathering: smectite composition <kaolinite-smectite composition <kaolinite composition. The study showed that the soils have important differences, even between those formed from the same material of origin, due to climatic differences and relief. Lastly, after 12 years under an integrated soybean–beef cattle production system, the ungrazed areas presented lower intensity of 2:1 minerals. On the other hand, areas under intensive grazing and moderate grazing presented similar behaviour due to the higher aluminization of the interlayer of 2:1 minerals. The higher aluminization under intensive and moderate grazing managements may be a drain on aluminum in the soil solid phase, making it less available to plants and decreasing its phytotoxicity.

Le Sud du Brésil est une région où l'agriculture est très intensive et la pression sur les sols est beaucoup plus importante que dans la région amazonienne. Ainsi, il est nécessaire de développer des études qui relient le développement du sol avec son matériau source respectif, en détaillant les transformations dans la zone de transition sol-roche et ses implications pour les activités environnementales et humaines. Dans ce contexte, ce travail vise à: (i) caractériser les aspects minéralogique, pédochimique et géochimiquedes profils d'altération développés en l'absence d'action humaine ou avec une intervention minimale; (ii) caractériser qualitativement et semi-quantitativement les minéraux primaires et les minéraux pedogenic dans les sols insérés dans les régions importantes de l'écosystème du Rio Grande do Sul; et (iii) évaluer l'impact des différentes intensités de pâturage sur la minéralogie d’un Oxisol sous système intégré de production soja-élevage dans le sud du Brésil. Cette étude concerce des sols du Rio Grande do Sul dont le climat subtropical (températures moyennes annuelles ~17°C, précipitations moyennes annuelles ~1800 mm/an) favorise l’accumulation de matiére organique ainsi que la formation de minéraux argileux 2:1. Les indices d'altération (Weathering Intensity Scale - WIS et Chemical Index of Alteration - CIA) établis à partir de la composition chimique des profils d'altération permettent de classer les profils selon leur degré d’altération qui correspond également à des compositions minéralogiques différentes (smectite, smectite + kaolinite, kaolinite). L'étude a montré que des sols formés à partir de la même roche ont des différences importantes liées aux différences climatiques et de relief. Finalement, après 12 ans de culture des sols avec un système intégré culture-élevage, les surfaces non pâturées présentent une proportions moins important de minéraux 2:1. D'autre part, les surfaces sous pâturage intensif et pâturage modéré présentent un comportement similaire attribué à une aluminisation plus élevée de la couche interfoliaire de minéraux 2:1. L'aluminisation plus élevée sous gestion intensive et modérée peut fixer une partie de l'aluminium dans la phase solide du sol, ce qui pourrait le rendre moins disponible pour les plantes et diminuer sa phytotoxicité. / O sul do Brasil é uma região com uma agricultura muito intensa e com grande pressão de uso do solo, consideravelmente mais intenso do que na região da Amazônia. Assim, é necessário desenvolver estudos que relacionem o desenvolvimento do solo com seu respectivo material de origem, detalhando as transformações na zona de transição solo-rocha e suas implicações para as atividades ambientais e humanas. Neste contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo: (i) caracterizar os aspectos mineralógicos, pedoquimicos e geoquimicos dos perfis de alteração desenvolvidos na ausência ou mínima ação humana; (ii) caracterizar qualitativa e semi-quantitativamente os minerais primários e os minerais pedogênicos em solos inseridos em regiões ecossistêmicas importantes do Rio Grande do Sul; e (iii) avaliar o impacto de diferentes intensidades de pastejo na mineralogia de um Latossolo, sob sistema de produção integrada soja-bovinos de corte no sul do Brasil.Este estudo foi realizado em solos do Rio Grande do Sul, onde o clima subtropical (temperatura média anual ~ 17°C, precipitação anual média de 1800mm/ano) favorece o acúmulo de matéria orgânica ea ocorrência de argilominerais 2:1.Os índices de intemperismo (Weathering Intensity Scale - WIS e Chemical Index of Alteration - CIA), considerando a composição mineralógica dos perfis de alteração, indicaram a seguinte sequência crescente do grau de intemperismo: esmectita < caulinita - esmectita < caulinita. O estudo mostrou diferenças importantes nos solos, mesmo entre aqueles formados a partir do mesmo material de origem, devido às diferenças climáticas e de relevo. Por fim, após 12 anos sob um sistema integrado de produção de soja-bovinos de corte, as áreas não pastejadas apresentaram menor intensidade para os argilominerais 2:1. Por outro lado, as áreas sob pastejo intensivo e pastejo moderado apresentaram comportamento semelhante, devido à maior aluminização da entrecamada dos argilominerais 2:1. A maior aluminização sob pastejo intensivo e moderado pode ser um dreno de alumínio na fase sólida do solo, tornando-o menos disponível para as plantas e diminuindo sua fitotoxicidade. / The Southern Brazil is a region with a very intensive agriculture and the pressure on soil use is considerably more intense than in the Amazonian region. Thus, it is necessary to develop studies that relate the soil development with its respective source material, detailing the transformations in the soil-rock transition zone and its implications for the environmental and human activities. In this context, this work aims to: (i) characterize the mineralogical and pedochemical alterations and geochemical evolution the profiles of the alteration developed in the absence, or the minimal human action; (ii) characterize both qualitatively and semi-quantitatively the primary and pedogenic minerals present in soils of important ecosystems in Rio Grande do Sul; And (iii) evaluate the effect of grazing intensities on the mineralogy of an Oxisol, in an integrated soybean-cattle beef production system of southern Brazil. This study concerns soils of Rio Grande do Sul, where the subtropical climate (mean annual temperature ~17°C, mean annual precipitation 1800mm/yr) favored the accumulation of organic matter and occurrence of 2:1 clay minerals. The indexes of weathering (Weathering Intensity Scale - WIS and Chemical Index of Alteration - CIA), considering the mineralogical composition of the alteration profiles, indicated the following increasing sequence of the degree of weathering: smectite composition <kaolinite-smectite composition <kaolinite composition. The study showed that the soils have important differences, even between those formed from the same material of origin, due to climatic differences and relief. Lastly, after 12 years under an integrated soybean–beef cattle production system, the ungrazed areas presented lower intensity of 2:1 minerals. On the other hand, areas under intensive grazing and moderate grazing presented similar behaviour due to the higher aluminization of the interlayer of 2:1 minerals. The higher aluminization under intensive and moderate grazing managements may be a drain on aluminum in the soil solid phase, making it less available to plants and decreasing its phytotoxicity.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In soils containing minerals with potassium in non-exchangeable forms, crops uptake a larger amount of this nutrient than that the chemical method can extract, making more difficult the establishment of availability classes and sufficiency levels for potassium. The aims of this study were: a) investigate crop response with potassic fertilization in an Ultisol; b) estimate the capacity of potassium supply in Ultisol and Oxisol, with a long report of addition of potassic fertilization; and c) verify mineralogical alterations of the clay fraction in these soils submitted to successive crop cultivations. The study was based on two experiments: The first one was installed in 1991 in an Ultisol with addition of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1, evaluating crop yield and potassium levels in soil using Mehlich-1. The second one consisted in a succession of plant cultivation in two types of soil with long history of potassic fertilization. The first experiment was located in the experimental field of the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, a typical Ultisol, and the second one, classified as Oxisol, in the experimental field of Embrapa Soja, Londrina-PR. The soil samples were collected in the experiments with less and higher concentration of potassium combined with an addition of 0, 30 and 90 mg kg-1 of potassium for every cultivation. There were 11 cultivations in the Ultisol and 8 in the Oxisol. From every cultivation soil samples were collected and the amount of potassium extracted by Mehlich-1 after the 5° and 11° cultivation in the Oxisol 4° and 8° cultivation in the Oxisol was determined. The samples were submitted at extraction with NaTPB, HNO3 and HF. The mineralogy of the clay fraction of the treatments with less and higher concentration of potassium was characterized. Crops respond to the potassium fertilization when the concentration in soil was lower then 50 mg kg-1. This result shows that the doses to maintain potassium concentration do not need to be larger than the amount exported by crops and that the fertilization of correction is only necessary when exhaustion of potassium occurs. The chemical extractor Mehlich-1 was sensitive to evaluate the availability of potassium in short time, while the chemical extractors NaTPB and HNO3 can estimate satisfactorily the depletion of potassium with successive cultivations. The Ultisol showed a greater ability to supply the plant needs than the Oxisol. The crop cultivation in the Ultisol, without the addition of potassium, has altered the soil mineralogy, as detected by X-ray diffraction. On the other hand, in the Oxisol, after successive cultivations, none mineralogy alteration was perceptible by X-ray diffraction. / Em solos contendo minerais portadores de potássio em formas não trocáveis, as culturas absorvem maiores quantidades do elemento que o método químico de rotina consegue extrair, dificultando o estabelecimento do nível de suficiência e das classes de disponibilidade. O presente trabalho tem por objetivos: a) investigar a resposta de culturas à adubação potássica em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico típico; b) estimar a capacidade de suprimento de potássio em um Argissolo e Latossolo com longo histórico de adições de fertilizantes potássicos; e c) verificar as alterações mineralógicas dos argilominerais desses solos pelo cultivo sucessivo com plantas. Conduziram-se dois experimentos: o primeiro foi instalado em 1991 em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico com a adição de 0, 30, 60 e 90 kg ha-1 de K2O, avaliando o rendimento das culturas e os teores de potássio no solo por Mehlich-1. O segundo experimento consistiu no cultivo sucessivo de plantas em casa de vegetação utilizando-se amostras de dois solos com longo histórico de fertilização potássica. O primeiro experimento estava localizado no campo experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico típico e o segundo, no campo experimental da Embrapa-Soja em Londrina PR, correspondendo a um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. As amostras de solo foram coletadas nos tratamentos testemunha e de maior dose, combinadas com a adição de 0, 30 e 90 mg kg-1 de potássio a cada cultivo. Realizou-se 11 cultivos no Argissolo e 8 no Latossolo. Amostras do solo foram coletadas a cada cultivo e nelas foram determinados os teores de potássio extraído por Mehlich-1, sendo que as amostras coletadas após o 5° e 11° cultivo no Argissolo e após o 4° e 8° no Latossolo foram submetidas também à extração com NaTPB, HNO3 e HF. A fração argila dos tratamentos com a menor e maior dose de fertilizante potássico foi caracterizada mineralogicamente. Os maiores rendimentos foram obtidos quando o nível de suficiência foi próximo ao valor original do solo que foi de 50 mg kg-1 de potássio. As doses de manutenção não necessitam ser superiores às quantidades exportadas pelas culturas e a adubação de correção só é necessária quando há esgotamento de potássio, mas apenas em doses adequadas para retornar aos níveis de suficiência. O extrator de potássio Mehlich-1 foi sensível para a avaliação do potássio disponível em curto prazo, enquanto que os extratores do potássio denominado de não trocável , NaTPB e HNO3, estimaram satisfatoriamente a depleção no decorrer de cultivos sucessivos. O Argissolo apresentou maior capacidade de suprimento de potássio que o Latossolo. O cultivo de plantas no Argissolo sem adição de potássio mostrou alteração na mineralogia do solo, detectável por difratometria de raios X. Já no Latossolo, após os cultivos sucessivos, não houve alteração na mineralogia do solo que fosse perceptível por difratometria de raios X.

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published_or_final_version / Earth Sciences / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy