Abstract
The use of intensive mechanization in no-tillage areas can change soil physical conditions, mainly in the “Cerrado”, which has reduced cover ratio. This study aimed to evaluate physical and mechanical properties of a red latosol under no-tillage and subjected to simulated dynamic traffic in different surfaces conditions. For this, soil samples were collected, with dimensions of 0.2 × 0.2 × 0.3 m (height, width and length), in an area subjected to no-tillage in the last four years. Subsequently, samples were transported to the laboratory and subjected to different traffic levels in a simulator. Shortly after, a completely randomized experimental design was set up, in factorial 2 × 5, with two covers (with and without haystack) and five traffic levels (zero, one, two, four and eight run overs) applied by the simulator. Assessed physical properties were superficial settlement, soil density, compaction degree and pre-consolidation pressure. Results showed that superficial settlement, soil density and compaction degree were significantly influenced by soil cover and traffic intensity. Pre-consolidation was not affected by cover, and had higher values when subjected to more traffic intensity.
Highlights
The cultivation and some soil management practices promote changes in soil physical properties, primarily in the structure, which can promote short-term cultures growth
When assessing the effects of additional compaction caused by machine traffic under no-tillage system, Streck et al (2004) concluded that the penetration resistance values increased according to traffic intensity
Similar results were found by Rosa et al (2012) when evaluating the effect of traffic intensity and management system in the physical properties of an Ultisol, observing that there were no significant differences for the variable soil density, due to the high state of compaction and the low water content in the soil
Summary
The cultivation and some soil management practices promote changes in soil physical properties, primarily in the structure, which can promote short-term cultures growth. Intensive exploitation and demanding, intense and lasting work schedules can degrade soils by changing their physical properties, such as density, compressibility, hydraulic conductivity and water infiltration rate (Pruski, 2009), especially in no-tillage system. The no-tillage system is based on the absence of soil disturbance, in its permanent cover and crop rotation. Soil no tillage favors the accumulation of organic material for its lower decomposition rate (Kalbitz & Kaiser, 2008). The soil cover with crop residues can reduce the density of the surface layer, minimizing problems caused by compression (Silva et al, 2010). When assessing the effects of additional compaction caused by machine traffic under no-tillage system, Streck et al (2004) concluded that the penetration resistance values increased according to traffic intensity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
