ABSTRACT Knowledge of the terms (or processes) of the soil water balance equation or simply the components of the soil water balance over the cycle of an agricultural crop is essential for soil and water management. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze these components in a Cambissolo Háplico (Haplocambids) growing muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) under drip irrigation, with covered and uncovered soil, in the municipality of Baraúna, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil (05º 04’ 48” […]

Soil compaction is a major factor affecting soil quality and crop growth. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of compaction that restricts soybean growth in a Latossolo Bruno alumínico típico (Oxisol). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, and the soil used was collected in Guarapuava, PR, Brazil, from the 0-20 cm layer. The soil consisted of 570 g kg-1 of clay, 370 g kg-1 of silt, and 60 g kg-1 of sand. The soil was […]

The daily water consumption of a wheat culture was quantified on an Oxisoil using atmospheric and soil data measured automatically on an experimental farm in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. The measurement period was August through December 2003. The rain contribution to soil moisture and the vertical upward movement of water within the soil were particularly emphasized. Our results show that in the evaluated period (a) wheat evapotranspiration amounted to 6.75 mm a day, to which upward water flux contributed with 62 %; […]

In a trial carried out at Santa Barbara, MG, Brazil, the influence of plant population on throughfall, crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and soil moisture regime of Eucalyptus grandis stands was evaluated. Plant population varied from 500 to 5000 trees ha-1. Soil moisture was measured down to a depth of 285 cm by a neutron probe, every 15 days. Rain water interception increased linearly with increasing plant population, whereas ETc was not significantly influenced. Soil moisture level tended to increase as plant population decreased. During […]