Mineralogic transformations along profiles of pedogenetic alteration in the region of Lavras (MG)

This work aimed to evaluate mineralogic transformations along pedogenetic alterations of soil profiles in the region of Lavras; Minas Gerais, Brazil, differentiated by acid, intermediate and basic geochemical composition of the parent material. Three profiles were selected: Profile 1 - Hapludult developed from granitic rocks (Granite from Itutinga); Profile 2 - Rhodudalf formed from dioritic rocks (Diorite from Rosário); and Profile 3 - Argiudoll formed from basic rocks of the Greenstone-Belt of Lavras. Along each soil profile, from the consolidated bedrock to the solum, microscopic analyses were carried out, clay mineralogy characterized and weathering reactions evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction analyses in order to understand soil formation processes. The weathering destruction order of primary minerals and consequent formation of soil mineralogy, were assessed characterizing the pedogenetic processes as well as their relationships with the parent materials. The mineralogic transformation reactions indicated that in profiles 1 and 2 the primary minerals were weathered to kaolinite, gibbsite and iron oxides, with titanium oxides and hidroxy interlayered vermiculite, in the case of profile 2, with quartz and potassic feldspar persisting as residues, the latter only in profile 1. In profile 3, weathering processes originated talcum, smectite, kaolinite, iron and titanium oxides, without any primary mineral residues.

optical microscopy; soil mineralogy; X-ray diffraction; soils with argillic horizons