Diagnóstico da qualidade do solo em dois sistemas tradicionais de uso e manejo: citros e mandioca

Abstract

Soil is a dynamic, living, natural resource characterized by its ability to serve as medium for plant growth. In this context, the plant growth and development are influenced by soil tillage systems. However, depending on the soil, plant and climate data, the soil management can promote the physical soil quality degradation with decrease in its productive capacity. Although the major of studies have been conducted with the aim of compare the changes in the physicals and chemicals soil attributes with respect of the management systems, without considerate the accumulate effect of these changes in the agriculture behavior and in its potential to function in the maintenance of the culture. The purpose of this paper was verify the effect of the conventional management systems and agricultural practices to the culture of citrus and cassava (Manihot esculenta) on soil quality index and indicators of cohesive yellow latosol in Recôncavo Baiano. It was used the soil quality index model proposed by Karlen & Stott (1994). The results show that the conventional management systems to citrus and cassava plants modify the indicators and soil quality index in depth, with positive effect in a surface. Was verified some limitations concerned to nutrients supply and root growth in depth, in which require the use of agricultural practices with the purpose to minimize these problems, such as the use of cover crop, production and addition of organic material to soil and subsoiling.