The nutrient cycling of two types of vegetation, (a "low forest" - 15 m of height, and a "short forest" - 25 m of height), characteristic of the sandy belts on the Coastal Plains of Ilha do Mel was studied, from June 14th, 1991 to June 12th, 1993. In this first step the soil's chemical and physical characteristics were studied, in relation to the physical environment and the parent material. The soils were classified as allic/dystrophic podzols, where the B spodic horizon's depth is related to the oscilating watertable. Organic matter is the main cause for the retention of ions in the soil. The soils from the two areas are similar in fertility level, characterized by the low CEC, high leaching potential, high acidity, distrophic and alic. Although the soils fertility may be considered very low, the vegetation is well developed. The differences between the forests types may be related to the water and nutrient availability in the B horizon. In the "tall forest", the watertable and the B horizon are closer to the surface, being less subject to the water stress and having more ability to utilize the nutrient availability in this horizon.
nutrient cycling; nutrient stock; spodosol; tropical forest