Physical indicators after mechanical scarification in a Yellow Oxisol under no-tillage

Abstract

Scarification improves soil physical conditions, resulting in suitable conditions for root growth in crops and water infiltration. This study evaluates the effects of mechanical scarification on the physical attributes of a Yellow Oxisol cultivated with soybean under no-tillage in the Savanna of Piaui state, Brazil. Three areas under soybean cultiva­tion were chosen, namely: one in the second year of cultivation under no-tillage (CS2); one cultivated for ten years under no-tillage (CS10); one area with soybeans identical to the previous one, but with scarification for a year (ESC); and a native Savana vegetation (CV), used as control. Density, macroporosity, microporosity, total poros­ity, and soil resistance to penetration at depths between 0-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m were evaluated. The CS area showed decreased physical indicator values compared to the other management systems. Scarification was efficient in improving soil density, total porosity, and soil resistance to penetration at depths between 0.00 and 0.20 m. CS2 and CV areas showed more favorable physical indicator values. Through multivariate analyses, it was possible to identify which physical variables correlated with each type of soil management and the effects of these managements on the physical characteristics of the soil studied.