Pedology
Trapped in the forest: how soil shapes an unusual grassland in the Atlantic Rainforest

Trapped in the forest: how soil shapes an unusual grassland in the Atlantic Rainforest

This study investigates the Campo do Veludo, an isolated grassland formation within the Atlantic Forest in southern São Paulo. By integrating soil, topographic, and vegetation data, the research shows that shallow, acidic, and poorly drained Spodosols shape the landscape structure and constrain forest expansion, resulting in a biogeographic enclave of exception. The authors also explore possible connections with muçununga formations, broadening the discussion on landscape diversity in humid tropical regions.

Toposequences: What Are We Really Studying?

This post presents a critical review of the concept of toposequence in soil science. Based on a bibliometric analysis, the article identifies three main approaches: geomorphic surfaces, catena, and toposequence. It also proposes more precise criteria for the use of toposequence in pedogeomorphological studies.