Density and resistance to the penetration of rubber-tree cultivated soil under different managements - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v25i1.2147

Abstract

The influence of different management agricultural practices such as disk harrowing, mowing and use of perennial green fertilizer (Pueraria phaseoloides) between rows of rubber-trees (Hevea brasiliensis) was studied on the penetration resistance of the soil. It was evaluated in different depths in a “Latossolo Vermelho distrófico textura argilosa A moderado caulinítico hipoférrico relevo plano” (LE) in the rural area of Jaboticabal and in a " Argissolo Vermelho -Amarelo distrófico abrúptico, Tb, A moderado, textura areia média, fase floresta tropical subperenifólia e relevo suave ondulado" (PVA) in the rural area of Tabapuã, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Treatment effects were evaluated on the resistance to soil penetration developed by the cone, and the values of the dynamic resistance for the depths of 0-10,10-20, 20-30 e 30-40 cm were obtained. Soil samples were collected to evaluate gravimetric moisture and bulk density for each experimental plot, at the same time the soil penetration resistance was measured. The results indicated higher levels of penetration resistance, bulk density and lower values of soil moisture in the upper layers of the plots that received mowing management. The values of mechanical resistance, shown by the “LE” in all depths, were higher than the critical limit for the development of roots, which may limit the development of the rubber-tree roots on every depth.