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The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the distribution of tree species
in a fragment of submontane seasonal semideciduous forest, a buffer zone in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce,
Minas Gerais, is influenced by geomorphological and weather and soil variables, therefore it can represent
a source of information for the restoration of degraded areas where environmental conditions are similar
to those of the study area. A detailed soil survey was conducted in the area by sampling three soil profiles
per slope segment, totaling 12 profiles. To sample the topsoil, four composite samples were collected from
the 10-20 cm layers in each topographic range totaling 16 composite samples. In the low ramp and the lower
and upper concave slopes, the texture ranged from clay to sandy-clay. The soil and topographic gradient
was characterized by changes in the soil physical-chemical properties. The soil in the 10-20 cm sampled
layer was sandier, slightly more fertile and less acid in the low ramp than the clayer soil, nutrient-poor and
highly acid soil at the top. The soil conditions in the lower and upper slope of the sampled layers, in turn,
were intermediate. The P levels were limiting in all soils. The species distribution along the topographic gradient
was associated with variations in chemical fertility, acidity and soil texture. The distribution of Pera leandri,
Astronium fraxinifolium, Pouteria torta, Machaerium brasiliense and Myrcia rufipes was correlated with high
aluminum levels and to low soil fertility and these species may be indicated for restoration of degraded areas
on hillsides and hilltops in regions where environmental conditions are similar. The distribution of Pouteria
venosa, Apuleia leiocarpa and Acacia polyphylla was correlated with the less acid and more fertile soil in
the environment of the low ramps, indicating the potential for the restoration of similar areas.