CHARACTERIZATION, AGRICULTURAL APTITUDE AND USE CAPACITY OF ‘PLANOSSOLO HÁPLICO’: A CASE STUDY IN FIRMINO ALVES -BA.

A CASE STUDY IN FIRMINO ALVES -BA.

Abstract

The present study centered on the comprehensive characterization of a Planossolo Háplico situated within the municipality of Firmino Alves, Bahia. The objective of this study was to contribute to the comprehension of the agricultural challenges experienced by the region, with a particular focus on soils that exhibit imperfect
drainage and a high degree of susceptibility to salinization. The objectives of the study included analyzing the
morphological, physical, and chemical characteristics of the soil, as well as evaluating its agricultural
suitability and land use capacity. The methodology entailed the collection of soil samples along the profile,
followed by routine laboratory analyses. The analyses encompassed a range of parameters, including but not
limited to: particle size distribution, water-dispersible clay, degree of flocculation, silt/clay ratio, as well as pH, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation. The soil profile displays a diverse
texture, predominantly sandy loam, accompanied by variations in clay and sandy clay loam. The color of the
horizons also varies, reflecting differences in permeability and organic content. A chemical analysis of the soil
reveals that, despite its acidic nature, the exchange complex is saturated with basic cations. The ratio of calcium to magnesium (Ca:Mg) exhibits a decline with depth, which has the potential to influence nutrient availability. The agricultural suitability assessment classified the soil into groups with different degrees of limitation for crops, pastures, and other uses. An evaluation revealed that the land's utilization potential was constrained due to inherent soil properties. The Planossolo Háplico Eutrófico solódico in the study area presents characteristics that limit its agricultural use, primarily due to low permeability and the risk of salinization. In order to ensure the viability of livestock farming and other agricultural practices in the region, it is imperative to implement specific management strategies that take these constraints into account. The research underscores the necessity for additional studies to develop management strategies that can mitigate the challenges associated with these soils, ensuring soil quality preservation and maintaining agricultural productivity.