ABSTRACT Soils of the Cerrados (Brazilian Savanna) are deep, well-structured, and well-drained, with flat to gently undulating terrain that favors mechanization for coffee cultivation. However, these soils are susceptible to compaction. This study aimed to assess the effect of mechanization on the physical characteristics of an Oxisol under irrigated coffee cultivation in the Alto Paranaíba-Minas Gerais State. We selected eight areas with different cultivars and years of Arabica coffee plantation, sampling five positions: right soil under the tree crown (RSC), […]

Soil compaction has been recognized as a severe problem in mechanized agriculture and has an influence on many soil properties and processes. Yet, there are few studies on the long-term effects of soil compaction, and the development of soil compaction has been shown through a limited number of soil parameters. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the persistence of soil compaction effects (three traffic treatments: T0, without traffic; T3, three tractor passes; and T5, five tractor passes) on […]

Inadequate usage can degrade natural resources, particularly soils. More attention has been paid to practices aiming at the recovery of degraded soils in the last years, e.g, the use of organic fertilizers, liming and introduction of species adapted to adverse conditions. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the recovery of physical properties of a Red Latosol (Oxisol) degraded by the construction of a hydroelectric power station. In the study area, a soil layer about 8m thick had […]

The system of no-till sowing stands out as being a technology that suits the objectives of more rational use of the soil and greater protection against the erosion. However, through till, any of it, occurs modifications of the soil’s structure. This current work aims to study the influence of the energy state of the water and of the organic matter on the mechanism of compaction of Red Oxisol under no-till management system. Humid and non-deformed sample were collected in horizon […]

Soil physical characteristics were evaluated of a typical dystrophic Red Latosol (Typic Haplorthox) located in Passo Fundo, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, after ten years (1993 to 2003) under mixed production systems. The effects of production systems integrating grain production with winter annual and perennial forages under no-tillage were assessed. Five mixed cropping systems were evaluated: I) wheat/soybean, white oat/soybean, and common vetch/corn; II) wheat/soybean, white oat/soybean, and annual forages (black oat + common vetch)/corn; III) perennial cool […]

In São Paulo State, the autumn – winter seasons rainfall distribution restriction as well as high temperatures constitute a serious limitation for soil surface covering and crop production. For this reason it is very important to study alternatives for the no tillage system establishment in that State, specially for biomass production and for adequate management for better mulching in amount enough to improve soil physical quality and organic matter content. This study was carried out at the Lageado Experimental Station […]

The agricultural use of soils usually relies on the use of heavy machinery that cause soil compaction, affecting the amount of air and water available for plants. The present study was carried out in the year 2000 and aimed at studying the performance of aggregates of an Amazon Oxisol under mechanical compression and that were subjected to varying degrees of matric potential. Humid and undisturbed tropical forest soil samples were collected from the A horizon (10 cm deep) and B horizon […]

Ley forming modifier soil structure, which, in turn, effects soil physical characteristics in the upper layer. The objective of this study was to evaluate soil physical attributes and grain yield in a typical dystrophic Red Latosol (Typic Haplorthox) located in Passo Fundo county (RS), Brazil, after eight years of mixed production cultivation (1993 to 2000). The effects of production systems integrating grain production with winter annual and perennial pastures under no-tillage were assessed. Four mixed production systems were evaluated: system […]