Abstract
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to map the levels of degradation of pastures and its association with chemical properties of the soil and relief. We selected a sub-basin located in the municipality of Vicosa, Minas Gerais, and we mapped the degradations through Ikonos images that were submitted for classification. Soil samples were collected and analyzed chemically; the results were transformed in spatial data using cokriging, based on variables of the digital elevation model. We associated the maps (cokriging) with data from exposure of the hillside, levels of solar radiation and levels of the pastures’ degradation. The pastures were mainly classified in moderate (44%) and very strong (30%) degradation levels. The areas with mild degradation tend to increase when there is a higher sum of bases, cationic exchange capacity and organic matter. The portions facing North and the increase of solar radiation showed more advanced stages of degradation.
Highlights
Studies and field experiences are fundamental for the knowledge and mapping of soil attributes and classification (Buol et al, 2011), the line of research using pedrometry is gaining focus in soil studies due to the operational agility, low cost and reliable results (Cardoso et al, 2016; Ceddia et al, 2014; Hengl et al, 2015; McBratney et al, 2003)
The quantitative techniques of spatial prediction are generally derived from geostatistics or from pedo-transference functions (Carvalho et al.; 2002, McBratney et al, 2003; Webster, 1994) and these were used in the mapping of attributes and soil classification in studies executed by Carvalho et al (2002), Minasny & Hartemink (2011), Moore et al (1993), Souza et al (2010) and Souza et al (2015)
In a close-up field analysis, it was observed that a big part of the basin pastures is degraded at some level, especially due to neglect and, very few areas are used as pastures
Summary
AND OBJECTIVES studies and field experiences are fundamental for the knowledge and mapping of soil attributes and classification (Buol et al, 2011), the line of research using pedrometry is gaining focus in soil studies due to the operational agility, low cost and reliable results (Cardoso et al, 2016; Ceddia et al, 2014; Hengl et al, 2015; McBratney et al, 2003). The recovery/regeneration process of the pastures depends on the recognition of several factors, for example: the degree of degradation, topography and the physical and chemical properties of the soil (Dias-Filho, 2014). The recognition of the spatial distribution of the pastures degradation is a basic step for its recovery (Nascimento et al, 2006) and remote sensing helps in the mapping process, with its effectiveness already proven in studies from Chagas et al (2009), Eckert et al (2015), Lamb & Brown (2001) and Nascimento et al (2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
