Attributes of soils where Agroecological Agroforestry Systems will be implemented in the Nazareth Settlement, Sidrolândia – Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

The Nazareth Settlement, in Sidrolândia/MS, was established in an area dominated by sandy soils, characterized by low natural fertility and limited agricultural suitability. The BioRecovery project: Integrated Agroecological Strategies for the Recovery of Degraded Soils in Agrarian Reform Settlements in the Southern Mato Grosso do Sul Cerrado, aims to promote the restoration of degraded areas through the implementation of Agroecological Agroforestry Systems (SAFAs). Ten rural properties were selected to serve as agroforestry reference areas, and the project is in its initial phase, with the first stage of soil sampling already completed. Composite samples (3 subsamples) were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm. The analyses included determining texture using the Bouyoucos method; pH (1:2.5); OM (K₂Cr₂O₇); P, K (Mehlich I); Ca, Mg, and Al (1 mol L^-1 KCl); and H+Al (calcium acetate at pH 7). Eight of the points had a sandy texture and two had a loamy texture. The pH values were below 5 at eight points, indicating acidic soils. However, in two locations, the pH was 5.6 and 6.2, suggesting the application of acidity correctives, a fact corroborated by the higher levels of Ca, Mg, and base saturation in these points. Like the chemical attributes, the variation in organic matter content (from 6.0 to 11.4 g/dm³) reflected the different management practices used by the farmers.