MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOILS IN AN AGROECOSYSTEM OF THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF PERNAMBUCO: POTENTIAL AND LIMITATIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL USE

Abstract

The morphological characterization of soil is essential to understand its genesis, properties and agricultural suitability, contributing to the sustainable management of agroecosystems. In this sense, the study aimed to describe the morphological attributes of soils located in an agroecosystem in the municipality of Venturosa, in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco. Three profiles representing the main soils on the property were opened and described according to morphological criteria. Two profiles of Litholic Neosol, shallow and stony, and one of Fluvic Neosol, deeper and sandy in texture, were identified. The profiles showed significant differences in depth, structure and drainage, reflecting variations due to the parent material and current use. The study of the morphological attributes of the soil revealed important potentialities and limitations for agricultural use, being essential to support conservation practices, such as management of vegetation cover, diversified use of the soil and efficient water management. Such strategies are essential to reconcile productivity and sustainability of the agroecosystem studied.