Spatial distribution of physical attributes of a clayey Latosol under different management systems

Abstract

The use and management of the soil cause occasional changes in its physical properties; thus, altering its spatial variability. This work aimed to show the spatial distribution of physical attributes of a clay latosol under different management systems, through thematic maps of spatial distribution for values of these attributes. The experimental area consisted of three treatments: scarified no-tillage at 0.3 m depth (T1), no-tillage with 3 t ha-1 of plaster applied to the surface (T2) and; the control as traditional no-tillage system (T3). The attributes such as density, macroporosity, and microporosity in three soil layers were evaluated: 0-0.1; 0.1-0.2; and 0.2-0.3 m. The analysis of the experimental results indicates that all physical attributes presented spatial dependence between the data, with higher density values (values ranged from 0.95 to 1.37 Mg m3) and lower macroporosity in areas with T1 (SPD with scarification) and T2 (SPD gypsum) management systems. However, in all treatments, the Macro values presented a volume above 10.51%, which is above the limit value for good aeration and water movement in the soil. Treatment T3 (traditional SPD) showed favorable physical soil conditions, even after compaction