<b>Physical properties and organic matter of a savanna red latosol under different use and management</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v25i1.2339

Abstract

The intensive cropping and soil tillage in unsuitable conditions can change its physical characteristics and organic matter content in variable degrees according to its nature. Depending on the intensity of these alterations, they can lead to limit conditions to plant growth and yield. In addition, huge amount of soil is lost by runoff. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical alterations of a red latosol under savanna vegetation submitted to different use and management. A completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 10 replicates was used. The treatments, use and managements were: no-tillage, conventional system, minimum tillage, native vegetation (savanna), pasture, and rubber-tree crop. The following physical attributes were evaluated: bulk density, soil porosity and soil penetration resistance at 0.00-0.10; 0.10-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m depth and organic matter. All soil use and management caused degradation of soil physical properties as compared to the native vegetation system. The management and use applied were attested through the increase of bulk density, soil penetration resistance, microporosity and reduction of the macroporosity, total porosity and organic matter. The minimum tillage was the best management system when compared to the native vegetation system. The former showed lower soil penetration resistance and bulk density values as well as higher porosity and organic matter content. Pasture and rubber-tree crop system were the least efficient in maintaining the soil quality.