ABSTRACT The growing human influence on soils can degrade or improve their properties, as seen in anthropogenic black earths, which are known for their high fertility. This study aimed to compare two soil profiles in the same watershed in a humid tropical area, specifically in Rondonópolis-MT (Brazil), to understand the physical and chemical transformations resulting from human activity by evaluating a profile with less anthropogenic influence and another developed on technogenic deposits. Thus, the approach to the formation and characterization of soils developed from technogenic deposition becomes relevant as negative human changes in soils intensify. Morphological, physical, and chemical analyses of the profiles were performed, including particle size, pH, exchangeable cations, organic carbon, and trace elements. The least impacted profile (Profile 1) was classified as Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico típico (Arenosol), whereas the profile with the greatest anthropogenic influence (Profile 2) presented a sequence of horizons indicative of multiple deposition and pedogenesis events and was classified as a Neossolo Flúvico Psamítico gleissólico (Fluvisol). Profile 2 showed greater chemical variability and the presence of technogenic materials, such as plastics and ferrirete fragments, in addition to high levels of chromium, indicating possible contamination. Anthropic soils, although not yet officially classified in the Brazilian Soil Classification System, show pedogenetic processes acting rapidly even in recent deposits. This study highlights the importance of understanding the evolution of these soils in urban environments, both for classifying and understanding their genesis and for proper management, with the aim of mitigating the risks of environmental and population contamination.
Silva et al. (2026) studied this question.