Spatial variability of nutrients in Crotalaria juncea grown in an eroded soil.

The aim of this work was to characterize the spatial variability of the attributes of soil and plants in severely-eroded areas. The experimental plot had dimensions of 45 by 65 m, and was divided up into a grid with regular spacing of 5 m between points, making up a rectangle of 10 columns and 14 lines, totaling 140 points. The contents of macro and micronutrients were determined in the plants, plus dry matter and height of the Crotalaria juncea. The attributes of plants and soil thickness were distributed over the area in a well-defined spatial structure, with an adjustment of the spherical and Gaussian models, making an exception for calcium. Soil thickness demonstrated the locations with an accelerated process of erosion and displayed a clear spatial relationship with plant height and dry matter of the C. juncea and with the foliar macro and micronutrients.