ABSTRACT
Studies on the relation betweem soil and forest has shown to be very important for a better understanding, conservation and managnement of these resources. The topographic sequences on north region of Manaus, Amazonia, show diferences in natural vegetation and soil types along distincts erosional levels, described by pedologists and plant researchers but with no integrated studies. The objective of this work was to characterize the units of “Terra Firme” forest landscape, in the north of Manaus, Brazil. Soil profiles were studied in natural forest along two topographic sequences with a record of the morphological characteristics of each horizon. Together with each profile vegetation transects were made , the basal area of the larger trees, as well the frequency of the natural regeneration being measured. From upper positions to lower topographic levels was detected the increase of soil sand concentration, modification of forest structure and decrease of forest biomass and plant diversity. On hydromorphic conditions it was observed three diferent systems with particular forest and soil types. The results show distinction of eight forest landscape units, five being along the slope and three in hydromorphic conditions. These units must be considered in the planning and managenment of the natural resources of this region.
Key words:
forest landscape; Amazon; soil; conservation