A MINERALOGIA DOS SOLOS TROPICAIS: ESTADO DA ARTE E RELAÇÃO COM O USO E MANEJO

Abstract

The mineralogy of the tropical soils: state-of-the-art linked with land use and management. Part of the whole sorption and plant nutrition process are associated with the mineral matrix of soils. The goal of this study is to present a review of state-of-the-art about mineralogical characterization in the Brazilian tropical soils, in order to show details about soil genesis, as well as to analyze the mineralogy versus land use and management. In general, the understanding of mineralogy is necessary in tropical systems due to enormous quantitative, qualitative and geographic coverage of minerals constituting soils, especially in kaolinitic, oxydic (Fe) Latosols, and even gibbsites, besides those contained in Argisols and Cambisols, mainly. Thus, magnetite and maghemite could also have a greater a ention within soil classification system due to a large occurrence in Brazilian soils and relationship between magnetic susceptibility and some management practices. In this way, classification systems are prepared based on the knowledge and ordering from soil studies, including mineralogy, that directly affect the management of agricultural areas, as well as those for environmental recovery and conservation.

Keywords: Latosols (Oxisols); Iron oxides; Gibbsite; Kaolinite.