SOIL CHARACTERISTICS IN VEREDAS (BRAZILIAN PALM SWAMPS) OF ALTO SÃO FRANCISCO, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

The veredas are among the Cerrado vegetation and are legally considered as Permanent Preservation Area (PPA). The protection range of this phytophysiognomy differs between the federal legislation and that of the State of Minas Gerais. Our paper sought to use the color, texture, and soil organic matter content to indicate the area of coverage and delimitation of the PPA of ten veredas in the region of Três Marias, Minas Gerais. Deformed soil samples were collected at depths of 0-20 and 20-50 centimeters within the ranges of 0, 50, 80 and 120 meters from the margin of ten veredas. The collected soil samples were analyzed for texture, color, and organic matter. The soils were clay within the veredas (0 m) and clay to sandy loam at 50, 80 and 120 meters away. Soils under veredas (0 m) showed a dark color due to the accumulation of organic matter and was more similar to the color of the soil at 50 meters. However, the soil color at 120 meters is more oxidized. The soil organic matter showed a tendency to decrease in the distances 50, 80 and 120 meters in relation to the soil under the veredas. The characteristics of the soil observed on and around the veredas showed that the 50 meters strip is necessary for its protection and from this strip indicates good conditions for water infiltration and replenishment of the water table.