The formation of ferriargillans and densing processes were studied on a soil sequence over diabase situated in Piracicaba (SP) Brazil. Morphological, micromorphological, scanning electron microscopic and microanalytical studies were performed on samples taken from three trenches within the sequence. The presence of illuvial ferriargillans was observed mainly in the argillic B horizons and the saprolite, which filled the mamelonar, polyconcave and planar voids which led to their densing. Evidence of temporary hydromorphy suggested that this process would affect the stability of the iron oxide-clay interactions which would promote the mobilization and redistribution of iron and clay.
Nitosols; argillic horizon; illuvial cutans; temporary hidromorphy; densing