Spatial Variability of Soil propertieS in an agrarian reform Settlement

the study of soil chemical and physical properties variability is important for suitable management practices. the aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of soil properties in the malhada do meio settlement to subsidize soil use planning. the settlement is located in Chapadinha, ma, brazil, and has an area of 630.86 ha. the vegetation is seasonal submontane deciduous forest and steppe savanna. the geology is formed of sandstones and siltstones of the Itapecuru formation and by colluvial and alluvial deposits. the relief consists of hills with rounded and flat tops with an average altitude of 67 m, and frequently covered over by ferruginous duricrusts. a total of 183 georeferenced soil samples were collected at the depth of 0.00-0.20 m in Plintossolos, Neossolo and Gleissolo. the following chemical variables were analyzed: pH(CaCl2), H+al, al, Sb, V, CeC, p, K, om, Ca, mg, Sio2, al2o3, and fe2o3; along with particle size variables: clay, silt, and sand. Descriptive statistical and geostatistical analyses were carried out. The coefficient of variation (CV) was high for most of the variables, with the exception of pH with a low CV, and of sand with a medium CV. the models fitted to the experimental semivariograms of these variables were the exponential and the spherical. the range values were from 999 m to 3,690 m. for the variables pH(CaCl2), SB, and clay, there are three specific areas for land use planning. The central part of the area (zone iii), where the Plintossolos Pétricos and Neossolos Flúvicos occur, is the most suitable for crops due to higher macronutrient content, organic matter and pH. Zones i and ii are indicated for environmental preservation.


introDUCtion
From 1900 to 2011, 8,865 agrarian reform settlement projects were implemented in Brazil, encompassing an area of 87,559,858.95 ha, benefitting 931,730 families (Brasil, 2012).In Maranhão State, 952 settlement projects were implemented in an area of 4,600,598.87ha, with 124,288 families settled.Malhada do Meio, one of those settlements, practices the slash and burn system, and there is no plan for soil use and management.
Land use without adequate planning leads to soil impoverishment and low crop yield, which results in a decline in the socioeconomic and technological level of the rural population (Rampim et al., 2012).Therefore, to undertake soil planning for use and management purposes, it is important to evaluate how the chemical and physical properties of the soil are distributed in a determined area.
A tool often used to analyze how soil properties are spatially distributed in an area is geostatistics.It is effective for understanding the magnitude and structure of the spatial variability of the physical and chemical properties (Wojciechowski et al., 2009).The study of spatial variability of soil chemical and physical properties is important for agriculture because it aims to minimize the effects of variability on crop yield, optimizing the agricultural production systems (Molin, 2000).
In areas of native vegetation, the use of spatial variability may be found in the studies of Bekele and Hudnall (2006), Wojciechowski et al. (2009), and Skorupa et al. (2012).Cavalcante et al. (2007), Nascimento and Landim (2009), and Silva In agrarian reform settlements, the spatial variability of soil properties for purposes of agricultural use has not been the object of many studies, as in the case of the study undertaken by Valladares et al. (2006), who analyzed the spatial relation between the technical effectiveness of the rice crop and some properties related to soil fertility.
The aim of this study was to apply geostatistical techniques of soil chemical and physical properties to the agrarian reform settlement of Malhada do Meio in an area of native vegetation in the municipality of Chapadinha, Maranhão, Brazil, to assist in soil use planning.

material anD metHoDS
The study was carried out in the agrarian reform settlement of Malhada do Meio, located in the municipality of Chapadinha, MA, Brazil, with central coordinates (UTM) of 9585546 W and 661510 S, with a mean altitude of 67 m and an area of 630.86 ha.The geological substrate consists of sandstones, siltstones, and ferruginous duricrusts of the Formação Itapecuru (Itapecuru Formation -Upper Cretaceous) and of sands, colluvial waterway of the Depósitos Aluvionares and Coluvionares (alluvial and colluvial deposits -Cenozoic-Quaternary-Holocene) (Vasconcelos et al., 2004 Santos et al. (2013).Vegetation, according to the classification of Veloso et al. (1991), is Floresta estacional Decidual submontana (seasonal submontane deciduous forest) (the largest area), with the occurrence of Babassu palm; and savana estépica (steppe savanna) (Park and Tree), with the occurrence of Carnauba palm.
Climate in the region according to the Thornthwaite (1948) classification is C 2 WA'a', with annual rainfall from 1,600 to 2,000 mm, and mean annual temperature ranging from 26 to 27 ºC (Maranhão, 2002).
In Malhada do Meio, there are 38 farm families that acquired the area through land credit.The production system consists of intercropping of cassava, rice, corn, and common bean; the manufacture of cassava meal; raising of small to medium-sized animals in an extensive manner (poultry, pigs, and sheep); extraction of babassu palm (most important); hunting wild animals (agouti, paca, and armadillo); and fishing.The cropped area is approximately 1-ha per family, which consists of slashing and burning the vegetation, construction of a fence to avoid the entrance of domestic animals, planting, hoeing, and, or, application of herbicide, and harvest.After two years, when rice, corn, common bean, and, finally, cassava root have been harvested, the area is abandoned and remains fallow.After some years, the vegetation is once more cut down for planting new crops.The families grew rice for three consecutive years in an area of 65 ha with the use of mechanization, lime, and fertilizers, but the area was abandoned more than five years ago due to lack of technical assistance and credit.
Soil samples were collected and georeferenced at the depth of 0.00-0.20 m in an irregular grid, with 92 points at a distance of 300 m and in five densifications, distributed in a manner representative of the total area, and 91 points at a distance of 150 m, for a total sampling network of 183 points.Sixteen more points were sampled for external validation (Figure 2).The pH values (in CaCl 2 ), P (resin method), K, Ca, Mg, H+Al, and Al were determined by the methods of Raij et al. (1987), OM determined according to Raij et al. (2001), and the values of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and Fe 2 O 3 by the method of Embrapa (1997).Soil particle size analysis was carried out by the pipette method, using a 0.1 mol L -1 NaOH solution as a chemical dispersant, and mechanical shaking at low rotation for 16 h (Embrapa, 1997).The clay fraction was separated by sedimentation, coarse and fine sands were separated by sieving, and silt was calculated by the difference.
Initially, the variability of the data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, with calculation of the mean, median, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, asymmetry, kurtosis, and coefficient of variation, to identify possible atypical values and the manner of distribution of the variables.Spatial dependence was modeled by fitting the theoretical mathematical models possible for the experimental semivariograms.The choice of these models was mainly based on cross validation, on the lowest RSS (Residual Sum of Squares), and on the greatest coefficient of determination (R 2 ).In cross validation, all the modeling decisions of the semivariogram (choice of model, direction, and number of neighbors) were tested.Having defined the models, the data were interpolated (ordinary kriging) to create spatial pattern maps.
In external validation, the values estimated by Ordinary Kriging (OK) were compared to the values observed in the 16 sampling points.To do so, the equations of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and of the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) were used.
In which n is the number of values used in the validation; z (x i ) is the value of the property at point i, and ẑ (x i ) is the estimated value of the property by OK at point i.Lower values of RMSE and MAE are related to greater accuracy and to greater precision in the estimates, respectively.

reSUltS anD DiSCUSSion
There were no significant differences between the two sets of data, sampling network (n = 183), and external validation (n = 16) by the t test (p>0.05)for the variables studied.
The results in reference to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test indicated normality for most of the variables.The variables pH(CaCl 2 ), H+Al, CEC, and V showed values near each other for mean and median, which indicates that these variables do not show accentuated asymmetry (Table 1).In geostatistics, the normality of the data is not a requirement, although variables with a very high asymmetry may compromise the analyses (Cressie, 1991).The variables OM, K, Ca, Mg, SB (sum of bases), CEC (cation exchange capacity), sand, and clay show sharper asymmetry with some problems of atypical values.For these variables, logarithmic transformation was used.For the variables P, H+Al, Al, V, Al 2 O 3 , and Fe 2 O 3 , which show a small difference between the mean and median, i.e., a small asymmetry, square root transformation was used (Webster and Oliver, 1990).
Most of the coefficients of variation (CV) of the variables, classified according to Warrick and Nielsen (1980), had high values, except for pH(CaCl 2 ), with low CV, and sand, with a medium CV.The high variations of the properties studied may be attributed to variations in relief, soil types, the different ages of the vegetation on the land in regrowth, and the composition of the plant litter.The low value CV of pH(CaCl 2 ) may be due to the buffer effect of organic matter and the absence of alkaline soils, and the medium CV of the sand is probably due to the fact that the sand is more difficult to be transported compared to silt and clay, particles that are smaller.(Embrapa, 1997).OM: organic matter; SB: sum of bases; CEC: cation exchange capacity; SD: standard deviation; CV: coefficient of variation.Spatial Variability of Soil propertieS in an agrarian reform Settlement High values of CV for most of the variables were also found by Lima et al. (2010) in an Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo in an area of natural vegetation in the process of regeneration; by Silva Neto et al. ( 2011), working with a neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico under different forms of use and management: forest, regrowth, bare soil, cropland, pasture, and cerradão (Brazilian wooded tropical savanna), who attributed the high variation to uneven application of fertilizers and soil amendments, and to decomposition of plant litter; and by Skorupa et al. (2012), in an area composed of vegetation of the campo cerrado (Brazilian open field tropical savanna), cerradão, and cerrado (Brazilian tropical savanna) in the strict sense.Low CV values for pH(CaCl 2 ), were also observed in the studies of Nascimento and Landim (2009) and Lima et al. (2010), both in forest areas, and Silva Neto et al. ( 2011) in a forest area and in other types of vegetation.
All the variables exhibited spatial dependence, indicating that the sample design used in this study was sufficient to support decision making for proper planning of land use.
The fit of the models of the semivariograms was based on the values of the coefficients of regression of the cross validation near the coefficients of the straight line 1:1, the lower values of RSS, and the higher values of R 2 , according to Robertson (1998) (Table 2).The exponential model was fitted to the variables OM, K, Ca, H+Al, CEC, V, Clay, Sand, SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and Fe 2 O 3 , indicating that the behavior of these variables is more erratic on a small scale.As for the spherical model that describes less erratic phenomena on a small scale (Isaaks and Srivastava, 1989), the following variables were fitted: pH, P, Mg, SB, Al, and Silt.According to McBratney and Webster (1986), these mathematical models best fit the soil properties.
Strong degree of spatial dependence (DSD) was found for most of the following variables: OM, K, Ca, H+Al, CEC, V, clay, sand, SiO 2 , and Al 2 O 3; and values of a moderate degree in P, Al, pH, Mg, SB, silt, and Fe 2 O 3 (Table 2).A similar result, finding strong DSD for most of the soil properties, was obtained by Carvalho et al. (2010)   is probably derived from the intrinsic characteristics of the soil, as well as by variation in the material of origin or from being an area as yet little used for agriculture (Table 2).
The soil properties ranged from 999 m to 3,690 m (Table 2), showing that there is a spatial dependence on a large scale.For values of Ca, Mg, K, SB, V, and pH(CaCl 2 ), the spatial distribution was similar, with higher values in the central area of the spatial pattern maps, and lower values in the areas of lower elevation, and in the hillier areas of higher elevation (Figure 3).
The highest pH(CaCl 2 ) values were observed where the highest values of the bases are found because, according to Ronquim (2010), they have the property of raising soil pH.A similar spatial distribution pattern was also found by Carvalho et al. (2010) among Ca, Mg, SB, and pH; and by Lima et al. (2010) among pH, K, Ca, Mg, SB, and V.In the central part of the spatial pattern map, higher values of pH were observed, coinciding with the occurrence of lower contents of Al and H+Al.A similar result was found by Carvalho et al. (2010) and by Lima et al. (2010), corroborating Ronquim (2010), who found that less acid soils, i.e., soils with higher pH, have lower contents of exchangeable H and Al (Figure 3).
The coincidence of the higher values of CEC with the higher values of clay and OM shows the importance of organic matter in these soils.Organic matter may represent more than 80 % of CEC in tropical soils (Ronquim, 2010).In the northwest section of the map, with forest vegetation, a greater amount of OM was found (greater than 30 g dm -3 ) and thus the forest is probably more preserved in that location.The lowest contents of OM (less than 6 g dm -3 ) were in the north, where the vegetation was steppe savanna (Figure 3).
The greatest amounts of the sand fraction were at the highest altitudes, from the center to the south of the area, and they showed greater variability, with values from 342 to 834 g kg -1 , compatible with the rock of origin, sandstone.The greatest amounts of silt were observed in the north of the area, probably related to sediments transported by the alluvial process.The sand fraction did not show great variability, with greater amounts at the center of the area.The maximum amount of clay was 346 g kg -1 , compatible with the material of origin, sandstone (Figure 4).There are ferruginous duricrusts at the top of these materials of origin.
The molecular ratios SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (Ki) and SiO 2 /R 2 O 3 (Kr) indicate a spatial pattern in the south of the area of study (Figure 4) of more weathered areas, with Ki from 0.04-1.10 and Kr from 0.04-0.90,most of the soils being oxidic-gibbsitic, classified according to the criteria defined by Kämpf et al. (1988) and Ker (1995).From the center to the north of the area, the ratios indicate less weathered areas, with Ki values ranging from 1.2-3.3 and Kr values from 1.00 to 2.96, representing kaolinitic soils, according to the parameters established by Resende and Santana (1988).These values of Ki and Kr correspond to the occurrence of gibbsite and kaolinite, which are low activity clays, consistent with the low fertility of the area under study.
Analyzing the maps of spatial variability of chemical and physical properties, it was observed that according to the variables of pH(CaCl 2 ), SB, and clay, three specific zones that show similarities in their properties occur for the planning of land use.The Northeast (zone I) is an area with spatial distribution with lower amounts of the main macronutrients, pH(CaCl 2 ) from 3.5-4.0,greater amounts of sand, more weathered soils, rolling hills with higher elevation, and the occurrence of plintossolo pétrico Concrecionário êndico latossólico.The Southeast (zone II) is an area with greater amounts of silt, lower amounts of organic matter, less weathered soils, flat land with lower elevation, and the occurrence of plintossolo Argilúvico Distrófico abrúptico, gleissolo Háplico tb Distrófico cambissólico, and neossolo Flúvico.The central (zone III) part of the area shows a spatial distribution pattern with greater amounts of the main macronutrients, pH(CaCl 2 ) from 4.3 to 5.1, greater amounts of clay and organic matter, rolling hills with the occurrence of plintossolo pétrico Concrecionário êndico latossólico, and flat land with the occurrence of neossolo Flúvico.This area is more suitable for crops, and indicates the need for smaller amounts of soil amendments and fertilizer, considerably reducing expenditures on these supplies.

ConClUSion
This study defined homogeneous areas of the management of high and low levels of soil fertility.The central part of the area (zone III), where the plintossolos pétricos and neossolos Flúvicos occur, is the most suitable for crops due to higher macronutrient content, organic matter and pH.Zones I and II are indicated for environmental preservation.
Neto et al. (2011) evaluated spatial variability in different forms of soil use and management, and Carvalho et al. (2010) analyzed variability relation to environmental factors.
figure 2. Sampling network (+) and points sampled for external validation (○) in the agrarian reform settlement.figure 1. elevation map with vectors of the different contour lines in the agrarian reform settlement.
figure 3. Spatial pattern maps for soil chemical variables in the agrarian reform settlement.

figure 4 .
figure 4. Spatial pattern maps for the soil particle size and the weathering indices, in the agrarian reform settlement.

table 1 . Descriptive statistics of the chemical and particle size variables studied in the agrarian reform settlement
(Raij et al., 2001)d), K, Ca,Mg, H+Al, and Al (Raij et al. (1987); OM(Raij et al., 2001); and the values of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and Fe 2 O 3 working with a latossolo Amarelo Distrocoeso argissólico in a natural reserve, and by Silva Neto et al. (2011) in a forest area and in other types of vegetation.Strong and moderate DSD