THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS IN PALM SWAMPS ENVIRONMENTS IN BRAZIL

Palm swamps are characterized as topographic depressions with minimal slope, resulting in poor drainage and low energy flow conditions. In Brazil, they are found in the Cerrado biome and certain savannah enclaves within the Amazon region. These environments foster the formation of palm swamp soils under hydromorphic conditions, although the behavior patterns of these soils remain inadequately discussed. In this study, we have selected ten Palm swamps soil profiles described and documented in theses, dissertations, and articles to elucidate the primary attributes prevalent in these soils. The findings reveal a predominantly sandy texture across most horizons. These soils are identified as dystrophic, displaying an average pH value of 4.64 in H2O, and exhibit a positive correlation between cation exchange capacity (CEC) and organic matter, with an average organic matter content of 121.21 gkg-1. Additionally, the soils demonstrate high aluminum saturation, influenced by the nutrient-deficient parent material, which has been subjected to extensive leaching processes. This nutrient paucity is evident in the vegetation, which has adapted to these environments' anaerobic and acidic conditions.