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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of a forest soil along a topossequence, as well as the influence of the soil on structural and diversity characteristics of vegetation. The study was conducted in a remnant of Alluvial Araucaria Forest in Guarapuava, PR, where three transects (A, B and C) were installed towards the river-boundary direction, divided into subunits of 10 x 10 m. In each subunit samples were collected for chemical and particle size characterization of soil (0.0-0.2 m) and performed the analysis of Penetration Resistance (PR). We conducted cluster analysis to identify the similarity of the subunits in relation to soil properties and vegetation. A principal component analysis was performed to evaluate the interrelations between soil variables and vegetation and to identify the variables with the highest expression. The results indicated soils with low base saturation, high acidity and high concentration of Al. A soil gradient were identified in transects B and C, with reflections on the structure and diversity of vegetation. Of soil variables considered, the pH was the most decisive, exerting influence on other soil and on vegetation characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]