Abstract
This paper presents a review on Latosols (oxisols) genesis, classification and use in tropical Brazil.Chemical, physical and mineralogical aspects are throughly discussed, as well as their relationship withsoil use and management. Some problems of definition are considered for all types of Latosols recognizedin the Brazilian System of Soil Classification. The role of clay minerals such as kaolinite, gibbsite and ironoxides (namely hematite, goethite, magnetite and maghemite) is discussed against the background of soilclassification and soil fertility aspects. The ammount of trace-elements and the relationship between theseelements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Co) and latosols genesis and classification is shown, illustrating the trend of highervalues for those soils developed from mafic rocks and alike. The geographic distribution of latosols classesin Brazil (namely Ferriferous, Dusky-Red, Dark-Red, Red-Yellow, Yellow, Brown, Humic, Una variationand Pallid) is given. Finnaly, a general view on phosphorous adsorption for the various types of latosols ispresented, illustrating the importance of the clay mineralogy as a primary factor of controlling P availabilityin these soils.
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