Brazilian soil science is outstanding in tropical soil research, with a wealth of information on the soils of the country. However, this knowledge is not readily available. The aim of this study was to increase the range of a national soil profile database, based on soil surveys of wide extent. The soil taxonomy was updated based on the latest version of the Brazilian Soil Classification System. The updated database was also evaluated for coverage and potential for quantitative analyses. For this purpose, the data were arranged in an electronic database and soil classification updated up to the fourth categorical level of the current taxonomic system. Mainly in the first three levels, the name updating procedure was reliable. Restrictions were observed at the fourth level (sub-group), as measured by the degree of confidence used for the assessment of taxonomic classification accuracy. By updating the soil profiles to the current and standard taxonomic criteria, the databases were internally standardized and became comparable to external data, e.g. spatial distribution, altitude and climate types. Profiles of the different taxonomic groups nationwide were well- represented, as well as most federal States. Furthermore, soil profiles from several taxonomic groups were related to the Köppen climate zones and types. A relation between the first soil taxonomic level (soil type) and climate was not always evident, with some exceptions e.g. a substantial portion of Vertisols and Luvisols occur in semi-arid climate (BS). The altitude of soil type occurrence was also variable, with some indications of quartile and median preferences for some soils. Cambisols and Latosols were more frequent at higher altitudes, whereas 75 % of the Espodosols and Plintosols are found at below 200 masl. The analysis of the database proposed here can be further complemented for specific study needs, including adaptations to ongoing modifications of the taxonomy of the Brazilian Soil Classification System.
Brazilian Soil Classification System; DEM; Köppen climate classification; GIS
