Fine-texture soils in Brazil are generally deemed to have low agricultural potential. Due to low levels of clay and organic matter, they usually present low nutrient and water retention capacity, and, when poorly managed, may produce negative impacts associated with high risks of groundwater contamination by nutrients and other chemical pollutants, or with potential erosion when directly exposed to rain.

In order to guarantee agricultural sustainability in environments associated with these kinds of soils, it is essential to understand their limitations and potentials based on criteria identified in the field and/or obtained by laboratory analyses. It has been observed that the field and laboratory criteria currently employed to assess these soils do not fully meet this objective, and therefore there is a need to improve methods and criteria in order to adapt them to the recommended use and management of these soils.

By employing conventional field and laboratory methodologies in soil areas, this study aims to provide elements to update the Brazilian Soil Classification System and the System of Assessment of Land Suitability for Agriculture, as well as suggest the most appropriate management techniques for fine-texture soils.

Keywords: Physical properties, Uses and Management, Fragile soils, Chemical properties