Abstract
In this study, the physical properties of a red latosol were assessed under Cerrado (a Savannah like vegetation type) and under of Eucalyptus grandis cultivation. Two contiguous sites of 14 ha each showing similar original vegetation cover, slope, topographic position, soil type, and sun exposure (aspect) were selected. Systematically, 20 sampling points were distributed in each site, from which soil deformed samples were collected to determine soil texture and non-deformed soil samples were collected to determine apparent density, volumetric soil moisture, and penetration resistance. Based on this study’s results, it was observed that by changing land cover of Cerrado vegetation to cultivation, E. grandis provided no significant changes, Scott-Knott test (α = 0.05) of soil penetration resistance, density, and volumetric moisture of the red latosol. Key words: Cerrado vegetation, Eucalyptus grandis, land use, land cover change.
Highlights
Anthropogenic pressure on the Cerrado biome has grown in recent decades due to the increase in population density in the region and the horizontal expansion of the agricultural frontier
The physical properties of a red latosol were assessed under Cerrado and under of Eucalyptus grandis cultivation
20 sampling points were distributed in each site, from which soil deformed samples were collected to determine soil texture and non-deformed soil samples were collected to determine apparent density, volumetric soil moisture, and penetration resistance
Summary
Anthropogenic pressure on the Cerrado biome has grown in recent decades due to the increase in population density in the region and the horizontal expansion of the agricultural frontier. The conversion of new areas into agricultural lands, pastures, and forestry causes destruction of large areas of native vegetation and major changes in the physical and biotic environment. In these regards, it is necessary to conciliate human needs with the conservation of natural resources by adopting alternative and more sustainable land uses. It is fundamental to assess the impact of these land use changes caused by several anthropogenic uses as observed by Effgen et al (2012), Tavares Filho et al (2014), Effgen et al (2015) and Stone et al (2015) Agricultural soils, such as those in originally dense vegetation in the Cerrado regions, represent an important rural frontier in Brazil.
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