The amount of Ca, P, Mg, K and Na of the soils, and the levels of these elements and S of the forages predominant in the pastures and water, were studied in the North and Northwest regions of Rio de Janeiro State, in the dry (June-July) and rainy (December-January) seasons. Samples were collected from soil, forages and water from 12 different places of the regions, in predominant grazing areas, as showed by satellite photography and according to different soil characteristics. The mineral contents of the sample extracts were determined by spectrometry, on an inductive plasma emission source apparatus. The amount of P, K and Na in the soils were very low as well as for those of Ca in some places, in the dry and rainy seasons. Also, low levels of P were found in forage samples at some places and the forage P levels changed with the soil type. In some places, forage Ca levels were adequate and forage Mg levels were higher for the grazing beef cow requirements. Also, in both seasons low levels of Na were detected in the forage samples. The forage levels of K were higher for the requirements of these animals. Only in one place the forage Na content reached the maximum of 10% of the minimum required by these animals and forage S levels except in two places were low. Samples of water showed Ca contents over 70 mg/L and Na over 55,1 mg/L, but the mean values in most of the places were very low. The mean Na contents of water were found to be four times higher than those found in USA, those of K in some places ranged from two to six times and the S contents were very low.
forage; mineral; pasture; soil; water
