Carbon, light organic matter and remaining phosphorus in different soil management systems

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the contents of total organic carbon (COT), light organic matter (MOL) and remaining phosphorus (Prem) on savanna areas under no tillage system using cover crops and to compare them to the ones observed under fallow and conventional tillage. The experiment was carried out in field conditions, in a Latossolo Vermelho (Rhodic Haplustox) from August 2000 to March 2007. A randomized complete block design was used, in a split-plot arrangement, with plots consisting of the five soil management systems evaluated – fallow, conventional tillage, and no tillage using sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum), and palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha) as cover crops –, and sub-plots consisting of maize and soybean crops. In March 2007, the 0.0–0.025, 0.025–0.05, 0.05–0.10 e 0.10–0.20 m soil layers were sampled and assessed for COT, MOL, COT stocks and Prem. In the no tillage areas, increases in MOL content can reduce phosphorus adsorption in soil. Management systems without soil disturbance increases COT stocks in the superficial layers while conventional tillage and no tillage using pearl millet as cover crops provide a deeper incorporation of carbon in the soil.