Change in physical properties of cerrado oxisol under crop-livestock integration in the state of Tocantins, Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate some physical attributes of a Red Oxisol under different types of uses. The study was conducted at Fazenda Palmeiras, in the city of Aparecida do Rio Negro, State of Tocantins, Brazil. Two areas were evaluated; a) the first area is native Cerrado vegetation; and b) the second is a farming area under no till cultivation, with crop rotation and grazing. The design was completely randomized in a 2x3 factorial. The properties evaluated were soil bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, and soil resistance to root penetration. The area under cultivation had lower density than the natural area, and the highest density occurred in the deeper layers and consequently a decrease in total porosity. From 10 cm depth the values of resistance to penetrations found in the soil under cultivation are above the critical level for cultivated soils.