Characterization of regolith features of the gully in Nazareno County, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to evaluate chemical and physical soil properties in different site conditions of a gully in the county of Nazareno, Campo das Vertentes region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Six transects were located along the gully water insurgency, with the purpose evaluating the moisture gradient, along the slope segments humid depression and lower, medium and upper slope sections. In these segments, soil samples were collected for determination of chemical properties, particle size distribution, penetration resistance and moisture content. The results of the moisture content measurements (Standard Oven Method) were: 38 % - 47 % for the humid lowland - lower slope interface; 28 % - 38 % for the medium slope position; and 17 % – 36 % for the upper slope. Soil temperature showed an inverse relationship with soil moisture, varying from 26 ^oC in the upper slope (area 4) and 15 ^oC in the lower slope (area 1). The application of the Principal Component Analysis (ACP) showed high complexity of the environment: the lower slopes presented an increased correlation with soil moisture, sand content and base saturation, whilst the upper slopes correlated better with soil penetration resistance and silt content.