Atributos físicos do solo em diferentes sistemas de manejo de agroecossistemas no Território do Caparaó.

Abstract

Comprehending impacts of soil management and use on its physical attributes is essential to develop sustainable agricultural systems. This study evaluated the behavior of soil physical properties under different types of use and management in “Caparaó Capixaba” territory, state of Espírito Santo. This study was performed in eight different agroecosystems: Molasses grass pasture (PCG); Signalgrass pasture (PBR); Arabic coffee plantation (CA1 and CA2); Horticulture (HOR); Citrus culture (FRU); Eucalyptus forest (EUC) and Native vegetation (VEN). Gravimetric moisture (GM), bulk density (Bd), particle density (Pd), total porosity (Tp) and soil penetration resistance (PR) were evaluated at 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths. The highest GM was found in HOR and VEN. The highest Bd were found in the CA2, PCG and FRU management system. At a surface depth (0–10 cm), PBR presented the lowest PT value, statistically equal to CA2 and FRU. The highest values of RP were observed in PBR at all evaluated depths (5.28, 8.32 and 10.68 Mpa). CA1 and CA2 were similar in RP, even when in different places. PCG, PBR, FRU e EUC showed RP higher than 4.0 MPa, which is beyond the critical limit for root system growth. The results indicate that different soil management approaches for the existing crops and vegetation in the agroecosystems can cause significant changes in soil physical attributes.