Histosols are formed under geomorphic and climate conditions that allow the accumulation of organic material, and their drainage for agriculture leads to the subsidence process and changes in the content of soil organic matter (SOM), with implications in the sustainability of these soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate some physical properties of Histosols and their relationship to SOM content and degree of decomposition in soils formed under hydromorphic conditions in the states of Rio de Janeiro (Aw tropical Atlantic), Maranhão (Awh tropical), and Parana (Cfb subtropical), with different usages. The methods recommended by the Brazilian Soil Classification System (SiBCS) were applied for characterization of the eight profiles, totaling 30 horizons; the organic matter content was quantified using a muffle furnace. The physical properties, soil bulk density (BD), organic matter density (OMD), percentage of mineral material (MM), and minimum residue (MR), reflected the content and transformation degree of the organic matter. The BD values varied from 0.09 to 0.93 Mg m-3, with an average of 0.44 Mg m-3 and OMD varied from 0.02 to 0.66 Mg m-3, with an average of 0.28 Mg m-3. A directly proportional relationship between BD and the properties MM and MR was observed. In the classification of the decomposition degree, the organic materials were identified mainly as hemic and sapric. Since different classes were obtained according to the method applied, it is recommended the combined usage of the pyrophosphate index and the content of rubbed fibers, defining the classes according to a range of values. In the Histosols with less anthropic alteration, in the State of Rio de Janeiro (profiles RJ02 and RJ08), the levels of organic matter were highest and the values of BD, OMD, and MM lowest. Thus, these properties are relevant to indicate the potential of subsidence and degradation in Histosols, an important soil class with regard to carbon storage and preservation of aquifers.
organic soils; decomposition of organic matter; subsidence
