Sandization, sand spots and land use planning

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to report in a s ynthetic way the s tudies related to the understanding of the
sand spots genesis and the sandization process in SW of Rio Grande do Sul / BR. More specifically, it explains
the genesis of the sand spots, the sandization process and the processes of their origin. It presents their natural causes, and the expansion of this process, due the expansion of the soybean crop since the 1960s. After that is exposed the appropriation of these fragile areas, based on a change of economic matrix in transformation, linked to the implementation of state policies aimed at the forestry expansion. It presents the social and environmental conflicts arising from these policies and express the need to continuity the research of these policies in the state of Rio Grande do Sul-BR.