Characterization of management systems in a typic hapludox using biological, physical and chemical parameters

Abstract

The dynamics of an agricultural system are better understood by means of multifactor experimental approaches on soil ecology, involving physical, chemical, and biological attributes. This study evaluated the influence of four soil management systems on those attributes in a Typic Hapludox in Rolândia – State of Paraná, Brazil, in order to identify variations in each type of management. Evaluations included: soil porosity, bulk and particle density, aggregate stability, field capacity and permanent wilting point, granulometry, cropping profile, chemical characteristics, and soil invertebrate macrofauna. Biological activity showed a relationship with the structures observed in the profile (µ, microaggregate structures) and with the increase in aggregates between 0.5 and 2 mm found via the clod method. Soil management introduced changes in the soil profile, particularly down to a 0.2 m depth, especially in the pasture, where cattle trampling increased bulk density in relation to no-till. Water availability tended to increase in the no-till system, and there was also a tendency of higher number of macropores in relation to the pasture. Base saturation in the agricultural areas was between 50 and 75%. The invertebrate macrofauna decreased in agricultural areas, as compared to the forest.