The knowledge of spatial variations in fields with eucalyptus plantations is important for the establishment of criteria of soil sampling and fertilizer recommendation. The objective of this study was to determine the soil chemical variations affected by the distance from eucalyptus trunks along and between the planting rows in eucalypt plantations at different ages (31, 54, and 84 months), in the Eastern Coastal Region of Brazil. Soil samples were collected around trees whose diameter at breast height corresponded to the average of the population, and at distances of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 cm from the trunk along and between planting rows. The samples were collected at the depths of 0-10, 10-20, and 20- 40 cm and analyzed for pH in water (1:2,5), P and K (Mehlich-1), Ca, Mg, and Al (KCl 1 mol L-1). Results indicated variations of soil chemical properties according to the distances of trunks of eucalyptus. The concentrations of P, K, Ca2+ and Al3+ decreased with the distance of the trunk of the eucalyptus in the three evaluated ages and the values of pH increased with the distance of the eucalyptus with 31 and 84 months, as well as the concentrations of Mg2+ for the eucalyptus with 31 months sampled in line and interlines. The chemical attributes of the soil obtained in the line and interline directions with 84 months were similar, except for Ca2+. Higher values of pH, P, K, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were found at the superficial layer of the soil.
Nutrients; soil sampling; eucalyptus
