Bulk density (ρb) is an important indicator of soil physical quality, but it is seldom assessed at greater depths due to sampling difficulties. Pedotransfer functions have been relatively successful in estimating ρb, but specific functions for most Brazilian biomes are not available. The aim of this study was to develop mathematical functions to describe ρb to a depth of 1 m in areas of native vegetation in central and southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. For determination of ρb, soil core samples […]

Knowledge of the soil physical properties, including the clay content, is of utmost importance for agriculture. The behavior of apparently similar soils can differ in intrinsic characteristics determined by different formation processes and nature of the parent material. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of separate or combined pre-treatments, dispersion methods and chemical dispersant agents to determine clay in some soil classes, selected according to their mineralogy. Two Brazilian Oxisols, two Alfisols and one Mollisol with […]

Structural changes caused by management systems to soil can result in compaction and may change crop root development. With the aim to evaluate the effects of the farming systems on the soil structure by qualitative (cultural profile) and quantitative (soil density) methodologies, a field study was carried out in Maringá, state of Paraná, Brazil (23 º 29 ‘ S, 51 º 59 ‘ W). A conventional tillage system with crop succession of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max) […]