Characterizing edaphoclimatic variables in sites hosting natural Brazil nut tree populations in Mato Grosso state

Abstract

The edaphoclimatic environment typical of sites hosting Brazil nut in Northern Mato Grosso State was investigated in the current study. Average climate elements at monthly scale (accumulated rainfall, mean, maximum and minimum air temperatures, mean relative air humidity, and water balance) and edaphic variables (soil profile description, as chemical, particle-size and mineralogical analyses) were herein assessed. The study was conducted in four sites hosting Brazil nut trees in Itaúba, Alta Floresta, Juína and Cotriguaçu counties. Results indicated that the climate in the host region is characterized by mean accumulated rainfall 1,700 mm year-1 and maximum water deficit 390mm. The host sites present acidic soils, whose texture vary from sandy to very clayey, low natural fertility and high aluminum content. They also showed low spatial variability (accumulated rainfall, air temperature and relative air humidity) because they have similar tropical climate. Soils prevailing in the herein assessed sites belong to classes such as Dystrophics Red-Yellow Argisol and Red-Yellow Latosol, with flat to wavy relief. Based on rainfall amount during the dry season, water deficit and soil properties data in the assessed sites, regions such as Alta Floresta and Cotriguaçu showed favorable conditions for greater Brazil nut trees productivity, and may be indicated for the commercial planting of species.