ABSTRACT The naturally fragile sandy soils of the Pampa Biome (PB) may be degraded with the introduction of poorly managed agricultural crops. Anthropic use can markedly decrease vegetation cover on sandy soils, leaving them more exposed to erosive agents. Decreases in organic matter content, biodiversity, and nutrient availability, increased soil compaction, and decreased water availability are also some of the impacts caused on PB soils by implementing poorly managed agricultural crops. In Rio Grande do Sul, in areas with sandier […]

ABSTRACT Cultivated soils, when submitted to agricultural practices, tend to compact due to the pressure exerted by agricultural machines and implements, a process that compromises soil quality and system sustainability. Specific properties of each soil, such as particle size and organic matter content, interfere with the process and degree of compaction and, consequently, plant growth. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different degrees of compaction (DC) on soil physical properties and black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) growth. For […]

Soils under natural conditions have heavy metals in variable concentrations and there may be an increase in these elements as a result of the agricultural practices adopted. Transport of heavy metals in soil mainly occurs in forms dissolved in the soil solution or associated with solid particles, water being their main means of transport. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the heavy metal and micronutrient content in the soil and in the grapevine plant and […]

Agricultural production systems that include the production of mulch for no-tillage farming and structural improvement of the soil can be considered key measures for agricultural activity in the Cerrado region without causing environmental degradation. In this respect, our work aimed to evaluate the chemical and physical-hydric properties of a dystrophic Red Latosol (Oxisol) in the municipality of Rio Verde, Goias, Brazil, under different soil management systems in the between-crop season of soybean cultivation five years after first planting. The following […]

Grass pastures, if well-established and managed, play an important environmental role as soil cover, for aggregate formation and stabilization and in the reduction of dense or compacted layers. The objectives of this study were to quantify the least limiting water range (LLWR) of a physically degraded Red-Yellow Latosol (Oxisol) on which bermudagrass (Cynodon spp., cultivar coastcross) was planted, and to use the LLWR as an indicator of changes in the soil structural quality. Undisturbed samples were collected in volumetric rings […]

The agricultural potential of Latosols of the Brazilian Cerrado region is high, but when intensively cultivated under inappropriate management systems, the porosity can be seriously reduced, leading to rapid soil degradation. Consequently, accelerated erosion and sedimentation of springs and creeks have been observed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate structural changes of Latosols in Rio Verde, Goiás, based on the Least Limiting Water Range (LLWR), and relationships between LLWR and other physical properties. Soil samples were collected […]