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Penetrometers and penetrographers are widely used to measure soil resistance to penetration, but the results are associated with other soil properties (such as bulk density, water content, and particle size distribution). Thus, for an adequate interpretation of results, site-specific studies are necessary to identify which properties are more related to soil resistance. We aimed to measure the resistance to penetration of a Typic Paleudalf under distinct soil uses and to identify soil properties that influence soil resistance. The soil uses in this study included anthropized forest (composed of tree and shrub species), pasture (5-year-old pasture), Eucalyptus 20 (a 20-year-old Eucalyptus saligna stand), and Eucalyptus 4.5 (a 4.5-year-old Eucalyptus saligna under the second rotation). Soil resistance to penetration was measured with an impact penetrometer, and the data were correlated with other physical and mechanical properties of soil, such as the particle size, soil moisture, air permeability, saturated hydraulic conductivity, porosity, bulk density, precompression stress, and compressibility index. We observed that a resistance of 1.3 MPa matches with other soil property values corresponding to soil compaction, and values greater than 1.3 MPa were verified at depths of 0–8 cm for pasture and 8–30 cm for Eucalyptus 4.5. Analyzing all soil uses together, the correlation was significant (p < 0.05) with gravel (r = 0.34), silt (r = −0.32), clay (r = 0.26), gravimetric moisture (r = −0.27), macroporosity (r = 0.24), and soil bulk density at the end of the compressibility test (r = 0.27). The penetrometer is useful for evaluating the physical conditions of soil, but we highlight that soil resistance is influenced by factors such as particle size and soil moisture, as examples. We recommend using a set of soil properties for a better interpretation of penetration resistance data and to support decision-making regarding soil management.

Soil compaction is one of the main causes of soil degradation, and some parameters have been used to characterize it, like those related to compressibility and the degree of compactness. To evaluate the rotational grazing time during winter and the presence and absence of grazing, on the compressibility and degree of compactness of a Cambisol, an experiment was installed and consisted of corn planting for silage, a fallow and pasture planting period, with two treatments evaluating the amount of rotational grazing (two and three times in a period of, respectively, 2 and 3 months), subdivided into the presence and absence of dairy cattle grazing. The mean bulk density value of 1.47 Mg/m3 separates the occurrence (plastic deformation) or not (elastic deformation) of additional soil compaction, while the traffic of machinery and animal trampling should occur with soil moisture lower than 0.23 kg/kg, when the soil has a larger load-bearing capacity. For the conservation of soil structure, our study recommends the permanence of cattle in the plots for 30 to 40 min/day and an exit when the pasture height is 0.07 to 0.10 m, with two or three grazing in a period of, respectively, 2 and 3 months.

The soil is the base of a sustainable agricultural system; it is the key for food and energy production, a reservoir of water and nutrients [...]

There is an urgent demand to change our intensive crop production systems, replacing them with soil use and management systems that recover, preserve, or improve soil health and are environmentally sustainable, producing healthy and good-quality food. In this work, we compile and present strategies and public policies aimed toward soil and water conservation and food production in Brazil. The results presented may help Brazilian farmers adopt practices to recover, maintain, or improve soil health and politicians to create or modify public policies for healthy soil and food, without the necessity of increasing agricultural areas. Food insecurity was also addressed, with family farming playing an important role in food production and decreasing food insecurity. But these challenges need the combined efforts and engagement of the whole society.

Quartzipsamments are environmentally fragile soils, being highly susceptible to water and wind erosion. Despite this, it seems that political and economic issues favor the advancement of agriculture in these soils. Therefore, studies are necessary for a better understanding of these soils and to minimize the impacts of land use. This work aims to characterize the morphological, physical–hydric, and chemical properties of Quartzipsamments under sandyzation in southwest Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Soil morphology was evaluated in six profiles in areas under native field with the presence of gullies, and soil samples with preserved and non-preserved structures were collected to evaluate the physical–hydric and chemical properties. We verified that these soils have high macroporosity (0.253 to 0.373 m3 m−3) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (127.85 to 672.26 mm h−1), and predominantly low organic matter (0.05 to 2.36%) and clay (23.03 to 126.29 g kg−1) content, but correlation analysis showed that increasing pH and organic matter can improve the fertility of these soils. Quartzipsamments have a low volume of available water to plants (0.006 to 0.038 m3 m−3) and have a potential risk of leaching and aquifer contamination. The use of these soils demands the adoption of conservation practices.

Soil erosion is one of the major problems in the agricultural areas in the world, and straw mulching is a conservation practice that may reduce soil runoff. How much straw mulching is necessary to reduce soil runoff? The objectives of this study were to quantify and characterize the runoff under different levels of oat straw mulching, as well as to analyze the cost of soil erosion. An experiment was performed in a site with the soil recently tilled for peach orchard implementation. In the ridges in the row of the peach orchard, plots were placed in order to quantify soil and nutrient losses by surface runoff due to interril erosion on the dates 23 August 2015 and 13 March 2016, considering the treatments were composed of different amounts of oat straw mulching (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 Mg ha−1). The results showed that the use of oat straw mulching decreased soil runoff, especially the doses ≥2 Mg ha−1, and the cost to replace the available nutrients P, K, Ca and Mg via mineral fertilizer varies from US$ 75.4 (no mulching) to US$ 2.70 per hectare (8 Mg ha−1 oat straw mulching).

Machinery traffic and animal trampling can deform the soil and, consequently, impair soil pore functioning. This study aimed to evaluate how soil structure affects the compressibility, physical properties and air permeability of a Typic Paleudalf under forest, pasture and eucalyptus. Soil samples with preserved structure were used to determine soil physical (bulk density, porosity, degree of water saturation at 33 kPa-tension, air permeability) and mechanical properties (soil deformation, precompression stress, compressibility index). After these evaluations, each soil sample was fragmented, sieved, and the metal rings filled with structureless soil, and underwent the same determinations as the samples with preserved structure. For loads greater than the precompression stress (load greater than 200 kPa), soil with non-preserved structure had the largest deformation. An increase in bulk density decreased macropores linearly (R2 = 0.77 and 0.87, respectively, to preserved and non-preserved soil structure) and air flow exponentially. The soil with preserved structure was less susceptible to further compaction. Air flow was greatest in soils with lower bulk density, microporosity and water saturation degree, and a high volume of macropores. Soil structure (preserved and non-preserved) had more significative differences in microporosity, compressibility index, soil deformation, and bulk density at the end of the compression test.

ABSTRACT Finding the proper shaking setting to ensure total particle dispersion without altering the content of sand, silt and clay in soils composed of fragile particles such as saprolite fragments is still a research gap. This study aimed to identify the best shaking setting to optimize particle dispersion and minimize particle change in samples of Entisol (Neossolos). Samples were dispersed using an electric mixer at 12,000 rpm for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min, a horizontal shaker at 150 cycles min-1 for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 h with and without the use of nylon spheres, and an ultrasonic shaker at 70 and 110 J mL-1 for approximately 20 and 30 min, respectively. All the treatments affected particle distribution. Coarse sand reduced up to 14 % and clay content increased up to 18 % with the horizontal shaker with nylon spheres and the electric mixer. These changes were attributed to the breakdown of saprolite fragments, which represented around 1/3 of the coarse sand. Our results showed that the best setting was the horizontal shaker at 150 cycles min-1 for 1 to 2 h without using nylon spheres. This option allowed optimizing particle dispersion and minimizing changes in particle size distribution.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da irrigação localizada sobre os atributos físicos e hídricos de um Argissolo cultivado com pessegueiro. O experimento foi instalado em um pomar com quatro anos, em parcelas com e sem irrigação, onde foram coletadas amostras de solo em duas camadas (0,00 a 0,05 m e 0,10 a 0,15 m), nas posições de entrelinhas no rodado e entre o rodado das máquinas, e na linha entre e sob a copa das plantas. Amostras de solo com estrutura preservada foram coletadas para avaliação da densidade, porosidade, diâmetro de agregados, condutividade hidráulica e retenção de água. Observou-se que a irrigação localizada não influenciou os atributos físicos e hídricos do solo. Porém, as posições na linha e copa apresentaram maior macroporosidade e condutividade hidráulica, e menor densidade do solo, possivelmente pela construção do camalhão na linha de plantio e por não haver trânsito de máquinas nessas posições. O trânsito de máquinas fez aumentar a densidade do solo nas entrelinhas, ocorrendo diminuição da macroporosidade, particularmente, na camada superficial na posição do rodado. O volume de água disponível foi pouco sensível em identificar diferenças em relação aos efeitos da irrigação, camada de solo e posição no pomar e das variáveis relacionadas à estrutura do solo.

Práticas pouco adequadas de manejo têm ocasionado a compactação e a degradação da estrutura do solo. Identificar atributos que melhor representem essas alterações são relevantes na recuperação e na indicação de práticas para evitar danos na estrutura do solo. Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto de diferentes usos em atributos estruturais e hídricos de um Argissolo Vermelho. O estudo foi realizado no município de Butiá, na região fisiográfica da Serra do Sudeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico. As áreas analisadas corresponderam a: floresta antropizada constituída por espécies arbóreas e arbustivas (Floresta); pastagem com cinco anos de idade, com braquiária brizanta (Brachiaria brizantha) consorciada com pensacola (Paspalum lourai) e trevo (Trifolium sp.) (Pastagem); povoamento de Eucalyptus saligna com 20 anos de idade (Eucalipto 20); e plantio clonal de Eucalyptus saligna conduzido em segunda rotação, com 4,5 anos de idade (Eucalipto 4,5). Avaliaram-se nessas áreas a textura, a condutividade hidráulica, a porosidade, a densidade, o diâmetro médio ponderado de agregados (DMP), a curva de retenção de água, a distribuição do tamanho de poros e o parâmetro S, obtendo-se as seguintes conclusões: até a camada de 0,10 m na Pastagem, e 0,40 m no Eucalipto 4,5, os agregados foram formados pela ação da textura e matéria orgânica e pelo efeito compressivo, decorrente do pisoteio dos bovinos e da colheita do eucalipto. Conforme a profundidade aumentou, ocorreu redução do DMP de agregados, em razão da diminuição da matéria orgânica, e aumento do cascalho, especialmente para as áreas de Pastagem e Eucalipto 4,5, e ao menor efeito da compressão do solo. A textura e a matéria orgânica evidenciaram influência na agregação do solo e, mesmo em pequena proporção, o cascalho reduziu o DMP de agregados, pois sua baixa reatividade e seu maior diâmetro dificultaram a formação de agregados estáveis. Em relação aos atributos hídricos do solo, as áreas de Floresta e a Pastagem apresentaram maior disponibilidade de água, enquanto o maior parâmetro S está relacionado ao maior armazenamento de água.

The construction of a soil after surface coal mining involves heavy machinery traffic during the topographic regeneration of the area, resulting in compaction of the relocated soil layers. This leads to problems with water infiltration and redistribution along the new profile, causing water erosion and consequently hampering the revegetation of the reconstructed soil. The planting of species useful in the process of soil decompaction is a promising strategy for the recovery of the soil structural quality. This study investigated the influence of different perennial grasses on the recovery of reconstructed soil aggregation in a coal mining area of the Companhia Riograndense de Mineração, located in Candiota-RS, which were planted in September/October 2007. The treatments consisted of planting: T1- Cynodon dactylon cv vaquero; T2 - Urochloa brizantha; T3 - Panicum maximun; T4 - Urochloa humidicola; T5 - Hemarthria altissima; T6 - Cynodon dactylon cv tifton 85. Bare reconstructed soil, adjacent to the experimental area, was used as control treatment (T7) and natural soil adjacent to the mining area covered with native vegetation was used as reference area (T8). Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected in October/2009 (layers 0.00-0.05 and 0.10-0.15 m) to determine the percentage of macro- and microaggregates, mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates, organic matter content, bulk density, and macro- and microporosity. The lower values of macroaggregates and MWD in the surface than in the subsurface layer of the reconstructed soil resulted from the high degree of compaction caused by the traffic of heavy machinery on the clay material. After 24 months, all experimental grass treatments showed improvements in soil aggregation compared to the bare reconstructed soil (control), mainly in the 0.00-0.05 m layer, particularly in the two Urochloa treatments (T2 and T4) and Hemarthria altissima (T5). However, the great differences between the treatments with grasses and natural soil (reference) indicate that the recovery of the pre-mining soil structure could take decades.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509810563The forestry sector plays an important role in the socioeconomic and environmental Brazilian context, therefore the improvement of the knowledge about forest soil becomes essential for its sustainable use as a conservation base of natural heritage as resource for economical development. Forest soil can be characterized by pedogenesis occurred under influence of a forestry typology or under a currently natural or cultivated forest coverage. Differentiating forest soils from those occupied with other uses helps the understanding of possible alterations related to vegetal coverage and the developing of better management strategies to soil and forest use. Nevertheless, there is no consensus about this term because the soils present variations according to the forest characteristics, stimulating the discussion concerning its interpretation and applicability. This review aimed to analyze the utilization of forest soil concept, highlighting the differentiation characteristics and the relation with coverage type, natural or cultivated. Aspects related to deposition, quality and management of residues, nutrients cycling, soil compaction and site productivity are emphasized. The forest soil concept is widely used by specific literature and useful to collect specific information and to plan the sustainable use of soil and forest. The improvement of knowledge about these resources provides the creation of a common identity, supporting comparative studies and consolidating the research regarding to this theme.

A qualidade da análise granulométrica é imprescindível para a adequada classificação textural dos solos e enquadramento no Zoneamento Agroclimático. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar metodologias de controle de qualidade das análises granulométricas. Foram coletadas amostras de solos com diferentes texturas, as quais foram analisadas por cinco laboratórios. O controle da qualidade foi realizado utilizando duas metodologias, uma proposta pelo Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC) e a outra pela Rede Oficial de Laboratórios de Análise de Solo e de Tecido Vegetal dos Estados do RS e SC (ROLAS). Verificou-se maior número de inconformidades para as frações argila e silte, independentemente do método, sendo que o método da ROLAS apresentou maior número de inconformidades (76% das amostras), principalmente para amostras com teores mais elevados dessas frações. A metodologia da ROLAS com utilização da mediana é mais rigorosa no controle da qualidade das análises.The quality of particle size analysis is essential for correct soil textural classification and defining the Brazilian Agroclimatic Zoning. The objectives were to evaluate methods of particle size analysis and develop a spreadsheet for use in quality control analyzes. We collected 50 soil samples with different particle size distribution, in RS and SC states of Brazil, which were analyzed by five laboratories in the two states that perform the soil particle size analysis using two methods: one proposed by the Campinas Agronomic Institute (IAC) and the other by the Network of Soil and Plant Tissue Analysis Laboratories of the states of RS and SC (ROLAS). A greater number of disparities were observed for the clay and sand fractions regardless of the method. The ROLAS method had a higher number of mismatches (76% of samples), especially for samples with higher contents of those two fractions. The use of the median value in the ROLAS methodology is more rigorous in analysis quality control.

The forestry sector plays an important role in the socioeconomic and environmental Brazilian context, therefore the improvement of the knowledge about forest soil becomes essential for its sustainable use as a conservation base of natural heritage as resource for economical development. Forest soil can be characterized by pedogenesis occurred under influence of a forestry typology or under a currently natural or cultivated forest coverage. Differentiating forest soils from those occupied with other uses helps the understanding of possible alterations related to vegetal coverage and the developing of better management strategies to soil and forest use. Nevertheless, there is no consensus about this term because the soils present variations according to the forest characteristics, stimulating the discussion concerning its interpretation and applicability. This review aimed to analyze the utilization of forest soil concept, highlighting the differentiation characteristics and the relation with coverage type, natural or cultivated. Aspects related to deposition, quality and management of residues, nutrients cycling, soil compaction and site productivity are emphasized. The forest soil concept is widely used by specific literature and useful to collect specific information and to plan the sustainable use of soil and forest. The improvement of knowledge about these resources provides the creation of a common identity, supporting comparative studies and consolidating the research regarding to this theme.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050987564This study aimed to define the critical limits of physico-hidric attributes to areas under forest and pasture and to evaluate the intensity of compression of these uses in a Hapludalf in South Brazil. The use of soils were: Native Forest – formed for arboreal species; Pasture – five years old, constituted of Brachiaria brizantha associated with Paspalum lourai and Trifolium sp.; Eucalipto 20 - Eucalyptus saligna with 20 years old, installed under conventional tillage; Eucalipto 4,5 - Eucalyptus saligna under 2nd rotation, 4.5 years old. It was evaluated the hydraulic conductivity, macro, micro and total porosity and bulk density. The eucalyptus is a potential crop to be used in recovering degraded areas with no commercial objective. Soil compression increase bulk density and decrease macroporosity and total porosity until the layer of 0.40 m in eucalyptus for commercial use and until 0.10 m in pasture. Values based on restriction and yield of annual crops or in the least limiting water range have potential to be used as restrictive values for perennial and pasture crops.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a relação entre parâmetros de plantas de soja e feijão e a resistência do solo à penetração de Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arênico sob semeadura direta e convencional. Em experimento implantado em 1989 em semeadura direta, foram aplicadas diferentes passadas de máquina de 10 Mg e realizados diferentes preparos do solo em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram quantificados o índice de velocidade de emergência, o índice de área foliar, a altura e a produtividade de grãos de soja e de feijão e a resistência do solo à penetração. O índice de área foliar, a altura e a produtividade do feijão são influenciados pela resistência do solo à penetração em 46, 51 e 59%, respectivamente, enquanto 55% da variação da altura da soja é explicada pela resistência à penetração. Indica-se um valor crítico de resistência à penetração de aproximadamente 1,7 e 1,9 MPa no que se refere ao crescimento e à produtividade de grãos de feijão e de soja, respectivamente.The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship among soybean and bean plant parameters and soil resistance to penetration of an Alfisol under no-tillage and conventional systems. In an experiment deployed under no-tillage in 1989, different wheel tracks of a 10-Mg machine were applied and different soil management systems were used in completely randomized design. Emergence speed index, foliar area index, height and yield of soybean and bean crops and soil resistance to penetration were quantified. The influence of soil resistance to penetration in foliar area index, height and productivity of beans is of 46, 51 and 59% respectively, whereas 55% of the height variation in soybean is explained by soil resistance to penetration. The critical value of soil resistance to penetration indicated for bean and soybean growth and yield is of approximately 1.7 and 1.9 MPa respectively.

Sistemas de manejo podem influenciar as condições físico-hídricas do solo e a produtividade das culturas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os atributos físicos de um Planossolo Háplico sob diferentes sistemas de manejo e compará-los com os encontrados no campo nativo. A densidade, a condutividade hidráulica de solo saturado, a porosidade e a agregação foram avaliadas nas camadas de 0,000-0,025; 0,025-0,075; 0,075-0,125; 0,125-0,175; 0,175-0,275 m. O sistema plantio direto e o preparo convencional apresentaram condições físico-hídricas similares, enquanto o solo sob campo nativo proporcionou condições adequadas ao crescimento e desenvolvimento de plantas por apresentar maior condutividade hidráulica, macroporosidade, porosidade total e agregação, e menor densidade do solo. Sugerem-se valores críticos para as plantas, respectivamente de densidade, de condutividade hidráulica saturada, de diâmetro médio ponderado de agregados de 1,56 Mg m-3; 16,18 mm h-1 e 2,49 mm.The soil management may influence soil hydro-physical conditions and crop yield. The objective of this study was to determine soil physical properties of an Albaqualf under management systems and to compare them with those under a native pasture. The bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, macroporosity, microporosity, total porosity and aggregation were evaluated in the soil layers 0-0.025; 0.025-0.075; 0.075-0.125; 0.125-0.175; and 0.175-0.275 m. The hydro-physical soil conditions in no-till and conventional systems were similar. The conditions in the soil under native grassland were more adequate for crop development due to a higher hydraulic conductivity, macroporosity, total porosity and aggregation and lower bulk density. Critical values considered adequate for the crop development of 1.56 Mg m-3; 16.18 mm h-1 and 2.49 mm, respectively, for bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity and mean weight diameter were suggested.

O conhecimento das relações entre propriedades físicas e mecânicas do solo pode contribuir no desenvolvimento de funções de pedotransferência, que permitam estimar outras propriedades do solo de difícil mensuração. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a relação entre a susceptibilidade à compactação e o suporte de carga com propriedades físicas de solos do sul do Brasil. Foram avaliadas a resistência à penetração, a umidade, a densidade e a compressibilidade de seis solos. A resistência à penetração pode ser estimada pelo modelo que considera a umidade e densidade do solo. Solos com maior densidade inicial apresentaram menor susceptibilidade à compactação e menor deformação, quando submetidos a pressões externas. Quanto maior a resistência do solo à penetração, menor é a deformação e maior é a capacidade de suporte de carga, embora isso não indique solos com qualidade física adequada para as culturas; quanto maior a deformação do solo, maior a susceptibilidade à compactação e menor a capacidade de suporte de carga. A susceptibilidade de um solo à compactação e sua capacidade de suporte de carga podem ser estimadas, respectivamente, pela densidade inicial e pela resistência do solo à penetração.Quantifying the relationship between physical and mechanical soil properties can contribute to the development of pedotransfer functions that allow estimating hard-to-measure soil properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interrelations between susceptibility to compaction and load support with some physical properties of soils from Southern Brazil. Penetration resistance, moisture, bulk density and compressibility of six soils were evaluated. In a model including soil moisture and bulk density as independent variables, the relation with penetration resistance values obtained in the field was high. Soils with higher initial bulk density were less susceptible to compaction and exhibited less deformation under external loads. With increasing soil penetration resistance, less deformation and greater load support were observed, which does not necessarily indicate a satisfactory soil physical quality for crop cultivation. The greater the soil deformation, the higher is the susceptibility to compaction and the lower is its load support. The compaction susceptibility and load support of a soil can be estimated, respectively, by its initial bulk density and resistance to penetration.

O estabelecimento de culturas está associado a condições restritivas impostas pelo tipo e pelo manejo de solo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o intervalo de densidade crítica de um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arênico, considerando a disponibilidade de água para as culturas e os valores restritivos de resistência à penetração (1,5; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0 e 3,5MPa). A amostragem de um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arênico sob plantio direto desde 1989, com estrutura de solo preservada, foi feita nas camadas de 0,00 a 0,10 m e 0,10 a 0,20m. As amostras (oito repetições) foram saturadas em água, equilibradas em diferentes potenciais (-0,001; -0,004; -0,006; -0,033; -0,07 e -0,1MPa) e dois grupos de amostras foram secadas em laboratório, por um período de 7 e 9 dias, perfazendo um total de 128 amostras. Após atingir o equilíbrio, foi avaliada a resistência à penetração e a densidade do solo. Um incremento na resistência à penetração possibilitou maiores intervalos de densidade adequados ao desenvolvimento das plantas, i.e., quando considerada uma resistência à penetração de 2MPa, o intervalo de densidade adequado foi de 1,44Mg m-3 a 1,76Mg m-3 e, para uma resistência de 3MPa, o intervalo foi de 1,53 a 1,88Mg m-3. Valores superiores e inferiores ao intervalo de densidade obtidos são críticos ao desenvolvimento de culturas, considerando a resistência à penetração e a disponibilidade de água.Crop establishment is linked to restrictive conditions imposed by soil type and soil management. This study aimed at evaluating the interval of bulk density critical for a Paleudalf, considering water availability to the crops and restrictive values to the root resistance to penetration (1.5; 2.0; 2.5; 3.0 e 3.5MPa). Soil samples, from a Paleudalf under no-tillage since 1989, with preserved structure were collected in the layers of 0.00 to 0.10m and 0.10 to 0.20m depth. The samples (eight replicates) were saturated in water and balanced different potentials (- 0.001; -0.004; -0.006; -0.033; -0.07 and -0.1MPa), plus 2 groups of soil samples were dried in the laboratory for a period of 7 and 9 days, being a total of 128 samples used in this study. After reaching the balance, the soil resistance to penetration and bulk density were evaluated. An increase in the resistance to penetration allows for large intervals of bulk density no restrictive to the plant development. For instance, when considered a resistance to penetration of 2MPa, the adequate interval of bulk density was 1.44Mg m-3 to 1.76Mg m-3, and for a resistance to penetration of 3MPa the interval was 1.53 to 1.88Mg m-3. Bulk density smaller or larger than interval obtained are critical to the development of plants, considering soil resistance to penetration and water availability.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros físicos do solo e o rendimento das culturas da soja (Glycine max) e feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) em resposta ao grau de compactação de um Latossolo e um Argissolo. Nos dois solos, foram determinados a macroporosidade, a resistência à penetração (RP), o grau de compactação (GC), a altura e o rendimento de culturas. Quanto ao Argissolo, avaliou-se também a condutividade hidráulica de solo saturado (Ktetas). O aumento do GC provoca redução linear da macroporosidade e da Ktetas e aumento da RP. Valores de GC correspondentes aos valores críticos de macroporosidade e RP dependem do tipo de solo. Em Latossolo os limites críticos de aeração e de resistência à penetração são alcançados com menor grau de compactação do que em Argissolo. A cultura da soja é favorecida por um grau de compactação intermediário em Latossolo, e o grau de compactação ótimo para a cultura da soja é de 86%. No Argissolo não é possível determinar um GC ótimo para as culturas da soja e do feijoeiro devido à elevada compactação nesse solo.The objective of this work was to evaluate soil physical parameters and soybean (Glycine max) and black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) yields as affected by the degree of compactness of an Oxisol and Alfisol. For the two soils, soil macroporosity, soil penetration resistance (PR), degree of compaction (DC), height and yield of the crops were determined, while for Alfisol saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kthetas) was also evaluated. As the DC increases, there is a linear reduction in macroporosity and in Kthetas and an increase in PR. Values of DC corresponding to the critical values of macroporosity and PR depend on soil. In the Oxisol, critical values of macroporosity and PR are reached with a smaller DC than in the Alfisol. An intermediate DC in the Oxisol is favorable to the soybean, and the optimum DC for soybean is 86%. To define an optimum DC for soybean and black bean in the Alfisol was not possible due to high levels of soil compaction in this soil.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de sistemas de manejo no rendimento de grãos de feijão em um Latossolo Vermelho de cerrado. A pesquisa iniciou-se em 1997 e a avaliação do rendimento de grãos foi realizada no inverno de 2002. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso no esquema em faixas com parcelas subsubdivididas. Os tratamentos foram constituídos nas faixas pela combinação de 5 plantasde cobertura (Mucuna aterrima, Pennisetum americanum, Crotalaria juncea, Cajanus cajan e pousio); no outro sentido, as faixas foram subdivididas e constituídas pelo sistema de semeadura direta e convencional (preparo do solo com grade aradora e grade niveladora), as quais, por sua vez, foram subsubdivididas com as culturas de verão milho, soja e algodão. Concluiu-se que as plantas de cobertura, após cinco anos, não influenciaram o rendimento de grãos; a massa de 100 grãos de feijão foi maior na semeadura convencional, porém, orendimento não diferiu entre os preparos; na semeadura convencional, a sucessão com algodão, nos dois primeiros anos agrícolas, proporcionou grãos de feijão mais pesados e maior rendimento; na semeadura direta, a sucessão que incluía algodão ou soja nos doisprimeiros anos agrícolas proporcionou maiores rendimentos ao feijoeiro.This study aimed to evaluate the influence of management on common bean in Oxisol. The research began in 1997 and the yield evaluation was carried out in the winter of 2002. The experimental design was randomized blocks with split split-plot design. The treatments were constituted by the combination of five cover plants, two soil tillages and three crop successions. It was concluded that cover plants, after five years, did not influence the common bean; the 100-grain weight of bean was higher in conventional tillage, but theyield did not show any difference between the tillages; in conventional tillage, cotton crop sucession in the first two years provided larger common bean weigth and yield; in the notillage,the successions with cotton and soybean in the first two years resulted in larger common bean yeld.

A compressibilidade do solo é dependente do tipo, da intensidade, da freqüência da força aplicada por máquinas agrícolas e dos sistemas de manejo adotados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da intensidade do tráfego de máquinas agrícolas na compressibilidade de um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arênico sob plantio direto escarificado e compactado. Foram testados os tratamentos: PD = plantio direto desde o ano de 1989; PDE1 = plantio direto escarificado em dezembro de 2002 e fevereiro de 2004; PDE2 = plantio direto escarificado em dezembro de 2004; PDC1, PDC2 e PDC3 = plantio direto com quatro passadas de máquina com massa total de 10Mg em dezembro, respectivamente para os anos agrícolas 2001/2002, 2002/2003 e 2001/2002 - 2002/2003. Amostras com estrutura de solo preservada, na camada de 0,08-0,13m, foram utilizadas para avaliar os parâmetros compressivos do solo. No sistema de plantio direto sob compactação adicional, foram obtidos maiores e menores valores, respectivamente, de densidade e índice de compressão do solo. A densidade e o índice de compressão do solo são parâmetros consistentes e sensíveis para detectar alterações na estrutura do solo. O modelo não-linear (McNabb & BOERSMA, 1993) é uma ferramenta potencial para determinação da densidade do solo sob plantio direto, a partir da densidade inicial e das pressões aplicadas ao solo.Soil compressibility depends on the type, intensity and frequency of the load applied by agricultural machinery and on soil management. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of traffic of agricultural machines on the compressibility of a Paleudalf chisel plough and compacted under no-tillage. In an area under no tillage since 1989, the following treatments were used for sampling: PD = no tillage since 1989; PDE1 = no tillage plus chisel plough in december the year 2002 and february 2004; PDE2 = no tillage plus chisel plough in december 2004; PDC1, PDC2 and PDC3 = no tillage plus four passes of a machine of 10Mg in December, respectively to the agricultural years of 2001/2002, 2002/2003 and 2001/2002 - 2002/2003. Soil cores were collected at 0.08-0.13m depth to evaluate the compressive parameters of soil. In the no tillage under additional compaction higher and lower values were obtained respectively of bulk density and soil compression index. The bulk density and the soil compression index are concistant and sensitive parameters to detect alterations in the soil structure. The non linear model (McNabb & BOERSMA, 1993) is a potential tool to determine the bulk density of soils under no tillage, starting from the initial bulk density and the loads to be applied in the soil.

This study aimed to define the critical limits of physico-hidric attributes to areas under forest and pasture and to evaluate the intensity of compression of these uses in a Hapludalf in South Brazil. The use of soils were: Native Forest - formed for arboreal species; Pasture - five years old, constituted of Brachiaria brizantha associated with Paspalum lourai and Trifolium sp.; Eucalipto 20 - Eucalyptus saligna with 20 years old, installed under conventional tillage; Eucalipto 4,5 - Eucalyptus saligna under 2nd rotation, 4.5 years old. It was evaluated the hydraulic conductivity, macro, micro and total porosity and bulk density. The eucalypt is a potential crop to be used in recovering degraded areas with no commercial objective. Soil compression increase bulk density and decrease macroporosity and total porosity until the layer of 0.40 m in eucalyptfor commercial use and until 0.10 m in pasture. Values based on restriction and yield of annualcrops or in the least limiting water range have potential to be used as restrictive values for perennial and pasture crops.

O município de Capão do Leão, situado no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, apresenta diferentes atividades socioeconômicas gerando riscos potenciais ao meio ambiente, como a atividade de mineração de saibro e granito, o cultivo de arroz irrigado, a criação de bovinos e o reflorestamento de Eucaliptus sp. e Pinus sp. Essas atividades podem alterar a qualidade do solo, das águas subterrâneas e a recarga dos aqüíferos. A Companhia de Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais (CPRM) e seu Sistema de Informações de Águas Subterrâneas (SIAGAS) disponibilizaram, em 2005, as últimas informações georreferenciadas do levantamento de 21 poços cadastrados no município de Capão do Leão. Estas informações relacionadas aos dados hidrogeoquímicos encontrados na literatura foram plotados através de softwares e mapas de distribuição espacial. Considerando o panorama ambiental do município de Capão do Leão associado aos mananciais hídricos que as diferentes atividades sócio-econômicas locais encontram-se situadas próximas as instalações dos poços tubulares, podendo impactar negativamente a qualidade destes recursos hídricos. Deve-se salientar que este trabalho necessita ser atualizado e ampliado em sua rede amostral visando avaliar a evolução dos cenários ambientais da região, permitindo assim tomadas de decisões e ações para minimizar os impactos, levando sempre em consideração o equilíbrio sócio-ambiental.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de sistemas de manejo no rendimento de grãos de feijão em um Latossolo Vermelho de cerrado. A pesquisa iniciou-se em 1997 e a avaliação do rendimento de grãos foi realizada no inverno de 2002. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso no esquema em faixas com parcelas subsubdivididas. Os tratamentos foram constituídos nas faixas pela combinação de 5 plantas de cobertura (Mucuna aterrima, Pennisetum americanum, Crotalaria juncea, Cajanus cajan e pousio); no outro sentido, as faixas foram subdivididas e constituídas pelo sistema de semeadura direta e convencional (preparo do solo com grade aradora e grade niveladora), as quais, por sua vez, foram subsubdivididas com as culturas de verão milho, soja e algodão. Concluiu-se que as plantas de cobertura, após cinco anos, não influenciaram o rendimento de grãos; a massa de 100 grãos de feijão foi maior na semeadura convencional, porém, o rendimento não diferiu entre os preparos; na semeadura convencional, a sucessão com algodão, nos dois primeiros anos agrícolas, proporcionou grãos de feijão mais pesados e maior rendimento; na semeadura direta, a sucessão que incluía algodão ou soja nos dois primeiros anos agrícolas proporcionou maiores rendimentos ao feijoeiro. Palavras-chave: plantas de cobertura, semeadura direta, semeadura convencional, sucessão de culturas.