Being the veredas (swampy plains between hills and rivers) important regulators of water courses equilibrium at the cerrado region, we aimed to characterize and to compare soils, water and use type of these environments in Chapada and Arenito Bauru geomorphic surfaces. Soil and water samples were collected from the veredas. The use was analysed through field observations and interviews with farmers. The veredas present hydromorphic soils in all their extension, occurring higher homogeneity in Bauru. From the superior to the inferior part, the drainage gets worse, and the clay contents, organic matter and natural fertility increase. The Bauru veredas present better drainage, higher natural fertility, smaller amounts of organic matter and clay.The water was classified as class 4, mainly as a function of color, following variations in the soil organic matter content. At Chapada veredas, the water use in agriculture generates environmental contamination risk, while at the Bauru ones, it is common the water damming up for cattle supplying. The soils of Bauru veredas are frequently used for native pasture, while the Chapada ones are maintained without use. The black or grayish color of the veredas soils is an easily-identifiable field attribute for delimitation of such environments.
Environment; springs; cerrado; hydromorphic soils
