What are the main types of soil and how do they influence agriculture?

These are the main types of soil that define the fate of a crop. They influence everything from crop selection to management techniques, determining the productivity and sustainability of agriculture.

In Brazil, a country of continental dimensions, the diversity of soils is as vast as the biomes that shelter them.

While the Cerrado stands out for its latosols, the Amazon faces unique challenges with its plinthosols.

But what makes a soil ideal for agriculture? The answer goes beyond simple fertility.

Factors such as drainage, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter content and even microbial activity play crucial roles.

According to Embrapa (2025), inadequate management has already degraded 40% of arable soils in the world. This alarming figure reinforces the need to better understand the land we cultivate.

Think of soil as a vast storehouse of nutrients. Some soils, such as chernosols, are like well-stocked warehouses, ready to nourish plants.

Others, such as neosols, are like empty shelves, requiring constant human intervention.

This analogy helps to understand why certain regions have become global breadbaskets, while others depend on advanced technologies to produce.

In this article, we will explore in detail the main types of soil, their characteristics and how farmers are adapting innovative techniques to extract the maximum potential from each one.

1. Latosols: The Basis of Brazilian Agribusiness

Dominating around 60% of arable land in Brazil, latosols are the foundation of soybean, corn and cotton production.

Its depth, which can exceed 15 meters, allows extensive root development, essential for large crops.

However, these soils are naturally acidic, with pH often below 5.

Correction with limestone is an essential practice, but recent research shows that agricultural gypsum has become an effective complement, improving rooting in deeper layers.

A practical example is in Western Bahia, where producers combine direct planting with crop rotation to maintain soil structure.

This technique reduced the use of chemical fertilizers in the region by 30%, according to the Bahian Cotton Producers Association (2024).

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Another challenge is compaction. Heavy machinery traffic can reduce soil porosity, limiting water infiltration.

Farmers in Mato Grosso have been testing controlled traffic systems, where machines always follow the same corridors, minimizing damage to crop areas.

2. Argisols: Between Fertility and Fragility

Common in humid tropical regions, such as the South and Southeast of Brazil, argisols have a sandy surface layer and a subsoil rich in clay.

This duality makes them fertile, but extremely susceptible to erosion.

In Santa Catarina, where these soils predominate, terracing has been an effective solution.

By creating steps on slopes, farmers slow down the speed of rainwater, preventing nutrients from being washed away.

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Data from Epagri (2025) show that properties that adopted this technique had an increase of 18% in corn productivity.

Green manure has also been gaining ground. Species such as crotalaria and jack beans are cultivated between harvests, protecting the soil and fixing nitrogen.

In Paraná, some producers report that this practice eliminated the need for nitrogen fertilization in up to two consecutive harvests.

3. Neossolos: Agriculture in Shallow and Challenging Soils

Found mainly in the semiarid northeast, neosols are young, poorly developed and have low nutrient retention.

Traditionally, they were seen as marginal lands for agriculture, but modern technologies are changing this perception.

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One success story is the cultivation of forage palm in the hinterlands of Pernambuco. This drought-resistant plant has shallow roots that adapt perfectly to shallow soil.

Furthermore, its ability to store water in the stem makes it a viable alternative for animal feed during periods of drought.

Another innovation is the use of hydrogels, polymers that absorb water and release it gradually.

In tests carried out by Embrapa Semiárido, this technology increased the survival of fruit seedlings in sandy soils by 40%.

4. Chernosols: The Most Fertile Soils in the World

Rare in Brazil, but abundant in regions such as Ukraine and the United States, chernosols are known as “black soil” due to their high concentration of organic matter.

Their granular structure favors aeration and water infiltration, making them ideal for crops such as wheat and barley.

In Ukraine, where they occupy 25% of the territory, these soils support one of the largest cereal productions in the world. However, war and intensive management have threatened their fertility.

It is estimated that 15% of these areas already show signs of degradation, according to FAO (2025).

In Brazil, small patches of chernosols are found in Rio Grande do Sul, where they are used for irrigated rice cultivation. Rotation with pastures has been essential to maintain their structure.

5. Plinthosols: The Amazon Challenge

Typical of the North region, plinthosols harden when dry, forming an almost impenetrable crust. This unique behavior requires adapted cultivation systems, such as agroforestry.

In Pará, producers combine açaí, cocoa and native species in the same space. This diversity keeps the soil moist and protected from the intense sun, preventing it from hardening.

Research by Embrapa Amazônia Oriental shows that these systems increased family income by 60% in five years.

Advanced Techniques to Maximize Soil Productivity

Precision agriculture is revolutionizing management. Moisture sensors and drones allow monitoring of every square meter of soil, applying inputs only where necessary.

In Australia, mycorrhizal fungi are used to improve phosphorus uptake in sandy soils. This technique has reduced fertilizer use by up to 50% on some properties.

Conclusion: The Future of Agriculture Depends on Soil

“These are the main types of soil” that show us how agriculture must be adaptive. There is no single formula for success, but rather a set of techniques that respect the characteristics of each land.

Innovation and traditional knowledge must go hand in hand. Whether through regenerative agriculture, the use of bio-inputs or integrated systems, the goal is clear: to produce more, without depleting our greatest resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most fertile type of soil in the world?
Chernosols, known as “black soil”, are considered the most fertile due to their high organic matter content.

2. How do I know what type of soil I have on my property?
Laboratory analysis is the most accurate method. Embrapa offers soil classification services throughout Brazil.

3. Is it possible to recover degraded soil?
Yes, techniques such as green manure, direct planting and acidity correction can restore fertility over time.

References

• Embrapa Soils (2025)
• FAO: The State of Soil Degradation (2025)