Propriedades físicas do solo sob diferentes preparos e plantas de cobertura

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different soil management systems (no-tillage and conventional tillage) and winter cover crops (common vetch and black oats) on the physical properties of an Oxisol. Soil bulk density, porosity, and its macro- and microporosity fractions were determined in the 0.00-0.10 m and 0.10-0.20 m soil layers, in the experimental area of the Federal University of Technology – Paraná, where these management practices and cover crops have been implemented since 2011. The data were analyzed using the Games-Howell test. In the surface layer, conventional tillage with black oats exhibited the lowest soil bulk density and the highest porosity and macroporosity values. In contrast, no-tillage with common vetch stood out for its higher microporosity, favoring water retention. In the subsurface layer, differences between treatments were less significant. The results indicate that the choice of soil management system and cover crop directly affects the soil’s physicalstructure, playing a critical role in conservation strategies and enhancing soil physical quality in sustainable agricultural systems.