Soil physical and hydraulic properties of a toposequence tableland in Bahia State, Brazil

A study was carried out in Sapeacu, State of Bahia, Brazil, on a tableland toposequence cultivated with sweet orange 'Hamlin', to determine the soil p hysical and hydraulic properties. The toposequence consisted of an Argisoli c Yellow Latosol, a Yellow Argisol, and a Gray Argisol. For each soil type, one soil profile was studied. Soil samples were collected in each horizon with three replications. These soil samples were analyzed for texture, wate r clay dispersion, bulk density, particle density, organic carbon, total po rosity, macroporosity, microporosity, aggregates analyses, and saturated hy draulic conductivity. The dense horizons of the Argisolic Yellow Latosol an d the Yellow Argisol showed the lowest meanweight diameter of aggregates an d higher values of microporosity, which result in lower values of saturated hydraulic conductivity. The Gray Argisol presented higher values of macrop orosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity.