Electrochemistry and organic matter concentrations in the surface horizons of Oxisols are closely related. This study evaluated the electrochemical properties in the surface horizon of seven Brazilian Oxisols after the removal of humic substances by alkaline extraction. Based on their mineralogy the soils were grouped as kaolinitic or oxidic. Less than 3 % of the total organic matter were soluble humic substances extractable by NaOH 0.1 mol L-1, indicating their strong specific adsorption to the inorganic mineral sites. The removal of the humic and fulvic acids reversed the soil surface charge and also led to a marked loss in the buffering capacity of the soil charge. The electric double layer capacity, an indirect measure of this buffer capacity, increased 3 to 15 times after extracting humic substances. The point of zero salt effect and the electric double layer capacity values were higher and the cation exchange capacity was lower in the oxidic than in the kaolinitic soils.
humic substances; buffer capacity; weathered soils
