Erodibility of an Inceptisol from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerai

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the erodibility of an Incepitsol occurring in Córrego do Yung sub-basin, located in Juiz de Fora, Zona da Mata mesoregion, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The behaviour of B and C soil horizons was analysed in relation to surface erosion, and, based on geotechnical, mineralogical and physical characterization of these materials, qualitative correlations with its erodibility were established. Soil texture, liquidity and plasticity limits, x-ray diffraction, erodibility (Inderbitzen) and direct shear strength tests were performed. The soil was classified as Cambisol Tb dystrophic latosolic. The Inderbitzen test has shown a greater soil loss from soil from the C horizon mainly because of its lower clay content and absence of soil structure, which provide looser grains. A lower shear resistance in saturated condition was also verified for this soil horizon. It has been concluded that the areas with higher erosion potential within the Yung sub-basin were those in which the C horizon is exposed.