PHYSICAL-HYDRIC DYNAMICS OF A PEDOLOGICAL LATOSOL-NITOSOL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT In order to comprehend the hydric dynamics of soils along the slopes, the research took place on a slope from Marechal Cândido Rondon, Paraná. Trenches were open to the macromorphological description, sample collection for physical, chemical and micromorphological analysis and quantification of hydraulic conductivity. In the top sector, Eutroferric Red Latosol was identified, and from the middle sector, the latosolic Distroferric Red Nitosol predominates. In micromorphological terms, the Ap and Bw horizons have presented two distinct types of arrangements: a continuous and/or discontinuous porphyric fabric with cavities and planar pores and other with enaulic fabric, with high connectivity - compound packing porosity. In the AB and nitic B horizons the enaulic fabric is less representative, prevailing the continuous porphyric fabrics, which make the pores less communicating. The Ap and Bw horizons have shown higher hydraulic conductivity, while AB and B nitic horizons had the lowest rates, reinforcing the notion that besides soil density, the pores arrangement directly interfereswith the hydric behavior of the pedological system.