Effect of the use of green manures on a soil decompaction

Abstract

The physical quality of soils is determinant for the maintenance of agroecosystems, influencing
their conservation and productivity. Clay soils are susceptible to degradation due to compaction,
and one of the ways to control it is through vegetative practices, which prevents its revolving
or the need for less sustainable mechanical practices. Looking for more sustainable alternatives
for the decompaction of clay soils, we evaluated the effect of the cultivation of different
species of green manures on the soil resistance to mechanical penetration, in order to identify
theirs potential of use. To that end, six species of green manure and one control were cultivated
and, at the stage of full growth, soil penetration and soil moisture resistance data were collected.
We conclude that the soil moisture was inversely correlated with penetration resistance in
treatments, and none of the evaluated green manures promoted soil decompression