Nova Olinda pedological heritage inventory (Mrcariri, Ceará)

Abstract

Pedological heritage refers to the diversity and features of soils and their vital role in preserving biodiversity, producing food, reducing the effects of climate change, and preventing soil erosion. Geoconservation strategies should protect and pay attention to this heritage. As part of a geoconservationist strategy, this study aimed to create a soils inventory in the municipality of Nova Olinda, Ceará, and to select six pedosite representing the pedological diversity in the study area. The qualitative method adopted included surveys, fieldwork, bibliographic, and cartographic surveys, and mapping of the chosen pedosites to constitute the inventory. Six pedosites along a 25-km route were mapped and evaluated qualitatively using a form developed specifically for this study. In this way, researchers believe the soils of Nova Olinda have scientific potential for new studies on pedological heritage and its geoconservation.