Soil physical quality in a fertilized pasture under continuous grazing

Abstract

^{The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical quality of soil in pastures under continuous grazing. The pastures were established with Bermudagrass coastcross (Cynodon dactylon) intercropped or not with the perennial peanut (Arachis pintoi). The intercropped pasture was fertilized with 0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1 nitrogen (N) per year and the single-cropped pasture was fertilized with 200 kg ha-1 N per year, totaling four treatments. The experiment was established in 2002 in a Haplorthox (Rhodic Ferralsol) in Paranavaí, northwestern of Paraná, Brazil, using a randomized complete block design, with two replications. Between 2002 and 2007 the stocking rate was based on forage offer level. In March and November 2007, undisturbed soil samples were collected from 0–75 and 75–150 mm depths for the evaluation of soil bulk density, soil porosity, and soil air and water storage capacity. Continuous grazing with stocking rates controlled as a function of the pasture production did not damage the soil physical quality. The soil water storage capacity is a sensitive indicator to assess the effects of stocking rate intensification on soil physical quality.}