Given the importance of cohesive soils derived from sediments of the Barreiras Formation, and the extensive area occupied by them in northeastern Brazil, the objective of this study was to identify and characterize the occurrence of cohesive soils in Coastal Plains of Ceara State. Three soil profiles were studied: two cohesive Argisols and one non-cohesive Argisol. Their morphological characteristics and physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties were assessed to confirm the presence of cohesive horizons. The results validated the hypothesis of occurrence of cohesive soils in Ceara State and the similarities of these with cohesive soils studied in other Brazilian states. The PR was the most sensitive indicator of soil cohesiveness.
Cohesive horizons; Morphological parameters; Coastal Plains in the State of Ceará