Soil density and mechanical resistance to the penetration of Cambisols in agroecosystems in the Potiguar Semi-arid

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural attributes of soils in agroecosystems
in the semi-arid region, with the native forest area being preserved as a reference and adopting
the critical value of RP equal to 2 MPa as an impediment to root growth. The areas studied
were: native preserved forest area (AMNP) (reference), intensive preparation area (API),
cashew tree cultivation area (ACCaju), native forest collective area (ACMN) and agroecological
area (AAG): Density of soil (Ds), density of particles (Dp) and total porosity (Pt). At the same
time, the gravimetric moisture (Ug) and the RP in the field were evaluated, the latter with thirty
(30) readings for each agroecosystem mentioned above. Soils of the studied agroecosystems
were classified as Cambisols, with the exception of ACCaju, a Latosol. ACCaju obtained the
highest values of Ds. PR was more evident in AMNP. The different management practices
adopted in agroecosystems did not result in an impediment to root growth.