Soils of Restingas

Pablo Vidal-Torrado*, Peter Buurman, Pedro Martinez, Josiane Millani Lopes-Mazzetto, Judith Schellekens, Mauricio Rizato Coelho, Felipe Haenel Gomes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The Restinga is one of the ecosystems of the Atlantic Rainforest biome in Brazil. It is characterized by extremely nutrient-poor soils formed in sandy coastal sediments from the Quaternary age. The highly dynamic environment of sandy coasts causes landforms with different microrelief. This, in combination with the poor and harsh conditions strongly influence both vegetation composition and ecological succession. Consequently soil formation and vegetation has remarkable variation at short distances within the Restinga ecosystem. This variation strongly depends on (i) geomorphological evolution (deposition/ erosion and age), (ii) particle size of the sediment (sand or clay), (iii) drainage conditions, and (iv) organic matter inputs. Soils from the Restinga ecosystem include Espodossolos (Podzols), Neossolos Quartzarênicos (Arenosols), Organossolos (Histosols), and Gleissolos (Gleysols). However, poorly drained Espodossolos (Podzols) dominate this forested landscape due to the low and flat relief of the shoreline and large amounts of dissolved organic matter (DOM) produced upon decomposition of litter and roots in H, O, and A horizons. The morphology of Espodossolos in the Restinga ecosystem is complex, with a large short-distance variability in depths and shapes of the E- and B-horizons. In order to interpret soil-forming processes in the context of the landscape, transects of related profiles are studied in detail in the different geomorphic units. We connect soil morphology, micromorphology, organic matter chemistry, and microbiology with geomorphology at the ecosystem level.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Soils of Brazil
EditorsC.E.G.R. Schaefer
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Chapter14
Pages393-410
ISBN (Electronic)9783031199493
ISBN (Print)9783031199479, 9783031202551
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Apr 2023

Publication series

NameWorld Soils Book Series
ISSN (Print)2211-1255
ISSN (Electronic)2211-1263

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