Edaphic relations and soil limitations of the Cascata Ecological Park, Sete Lagoas, MG

Abstract

The Santa Helena Serra Environmental Protection Area (APA), located in the central region of Minas Gerais, is an important conservation unit that faces threats due to the limited knowledge of its soil resources. This study aimed to identify and characterise the soil classes of the Cascata Park, situated in the southern portion of the APA, which receives the highest visitor pressure. The research followed the Manual of Soil Description and Collection in the Field of the Brazilian Soil Science Society, and the classifications followed the Brazilian Soil Classification System (SiBCS) and the Soil Taxonomy. Ten soil profiles were identified along a representative toposequence of the Cascata Park, which demonstrated the great influence of the parent material (siltites) and the predominance of the clay-silty texture, with silt contents reaching up to 70% and sand contents less than 28%. In general, Latossolos and Nitossolos proved to be less susceptible to surface sealing and superficial runoff processes, playing a fundamental role in water infiltration and conservation of the protected area. Meanwhile, the Neossolos Regolíticos presented rejuvenated profiles, less deep and more prone to surface sealing, making them more sensitive to anthropic disturbances. This information is essential for the proper management of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity in the Santa Helena Serra APA.