Pedological Studies of Subaqueous Soils as a Contribution to the Protection of Seagrass Meadows in Brazil

Abstract

Seagrass meadows are considered one of the most important and valuable
\necosystems on the planet, but also one of the most threatened. Missing knowledge about
\ntheir existence and their subtidal nature are the main reasons for the lack of information
\nabout seagrass soils, especially in Brazil and other tropical areas. This study discussed the
\nparadoxical lack of information about subaqueous soils, with a view to stimulate research
\non soil properties of seagrass meadows. This short communication provides information
\nabout the ecosystem and first descriptions of seagrass soils along the Brazilian Coast,
\nmarked by gleyzation, sulfidization, salinization, paludization, solonization, and classified
\nas Gleissolos tiomórficos. Pedological studies on these ecosystems provide useful tools
\nfor their management, protection, and restoration. Thus, it is fundamental that soil
\nscientists increase their knowledge about subaqueous soils, not only as a contribution
\nto the Brazilian Soil Classification System, but for the conservation of these ecosystems