Spatial variability of attributes and soil loss in the definition of management zones

Abstract

Management zones are the result of proper planning of soil use and occupation, which reduce the human impact on the environment. This study aimed to characterize chemical and physical soil traits and check possible management zones through the spatial variability of soil loss estimates and limiting attributes to the development of crops, determining the factors that most affect the erosion process. A total of 258 soil georeferenced points were sampled and had their chemical and physical characteristics determined. The soil losses were estimated by using the USLE model; erosion natural potential, risk and expectation; and anthropic factor of soil loss. The spatial variability of these characteristics was analyzed by descriptive statistics and geostatistics. The results indicated high soil loss, low erosion natural potential and moderate erosion risk for most of the area, with major losses in the convex landform. The anthropic factor and the expected erosion indicate inadequate use and occupation, particularly for the management of soil pH for citrus crop. The anthropic factors were important for the spatial analysis of erosion expectation, suggesting specific management zones.