The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of pedotransfer functions (PTFs) available in the literature to estimate soil bulk density (ρb) in different regions of Brazil, using different metrics. The predictive capacity of 25 PTFs was evaluated using the mean absolute error (MAE), mean error (ME), root mean squared error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R²) and the regression error characteristic (REC) curve. The models performed differently when comparing observed and estimated ρb values. In general, the PTFs showed a performance close to the mean value of the bulk density data, considered as the simplest possible estimation of an attribute and used as a parameter to compare the performance of existing models (null model). The models developed by Benites et al. (2007) (BEN-C) and by Manrique and Jones (1991) (M&J-B) presented the best results. The separation of data into two layers according to depth (0-10 cm and 10-30 cm) demonstrated better performance in the 10-30 cm layer. The REC curve allowed for a simple and visual evaluation of the PTFs.

Knowledge of the hydraulic properties of the soil is of crucial importance to an understanding of the interactions between vegetation, soil and water. There is little information available about the hydraulic properties of Podzol soils found in tropical regions. The aim of this study was to present the soil morphology and hydraulic properties of a toposequence situated in a permanent plot at the Ilha do Cardoso State Park (Cananéia, SP, Brazil). Ultradetailed soil maps were used to define a toposequence inside the permanent plot. Five profiles, representing the main types of soil, were opened along the toposequence, in which Podzols are dominant. The levels of bulk density, sand content, porosity and permeability in these soils were all high. Consequently, these soils have a high level of hydraulic conductivity with low water retention. This behavior undergoes an alteration in the Bh and Bs horizons due to the accumulation of organic and metallic compounds and a changing structure that modifies the pore distribution. Furthermore, the characterization of the hydro-physical functioning of soils in natural environments is an important source of encouragement to further investigative study of soil water dynamics and its relationship to the native vegetation.

HIGHLIGHTS Ostrom's principles were used by several environmental researchers worldwide. Regarding governance outcomes, certain types of rules are more important than others. Community-based studies should be conducted using larger samples. Future studies should adopt ecological thinking in the structure of SES.