The effects on soil quality in an agroforestry system submitted to different types of management

Abstract

Agroforestry systems (SAFs) consist of the combination of tree species and agricultural and/or animal production, seeking space optimization and productive plurality. The objective of this study was to evaluate two physical indicators of soil quality, being, moisture and soil mechanical resistance to penetration (RP), in a managed and unmanaged area of an AFS, located in the southwest of Paraná, Brazil. The predominant type of soils in the region are Latosol and Nitosol, with high clay content. For the determination of moisture content, soil samples were stratified in the 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm layers and, with a digital penetrometer, soil resistance to penetration was determined, taking readings every 5 cm, up to a depth of 60 cm. Moisture did not show significant differences between the areas, both being close to 22%, as well as in depth. Regarding the PR along the profile, the superficial layers (0-30 cm) showed a significant difference between the areas, being up to 20 cm higher PR for unmanaged area, while from 20-30 cm there was greater resistance for the area with management. However, in the deeper layers (31-60 cm) there was no significant differences between the areas.