On the basis of the Brazil Soil Map and the current Brazilian Soil Classification System, thirteen major representative soil classes of the Brazilian territory can be distinguished. These classes (viz., Latossolos, Argissolos, Alissolos, Cambissolos, Chernossolos, Geissolos, Luvissolos, Neossolos, Espodossolos, Nitissolos, Planossolos, Plintossolos and Vertissolos) are subdivided into different soil types according to morphological characteristics and physical, chemical and mineralogical properties separating them into more homogeneous units. The characteristics of these soil classes are given, including some of the most expressive attributes that define and differentiate them, as well as some aspects of their extension, geographical distribution and correlation with other classification systems, such as Soil Taxonomy and the World Soil Reference Base, are generalized. In order to understand the land use patterns, a brief history of the occupation of Amazon soils as a whole is reported, as well as the technologies and available tools for the accomplishment of those studies.

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