Physical and biological properties of a Distrophic-Red Latosol from "arenito Caiuá" under pasture and annual crops

Abstract

The soils originated from "arenito Caiuá" represent 15% of the area of Paraná state, Brazil, from which 70% are covered with pasture. The expansion of pasture is due to the properties of these soils, which are very sandy and poor in nutrients, therefore not suitable for intensive agriculture. This paper had as its main goal to quality, through field determinations, some physical and biological properties of a Distrophic Red Latosol from this region, under pasture and annual crops. Results showed that soils covered with pasture had higher water infiltration and smaller values of global density, in response to the increase of organic matter. Biological activity in the upper soil layers was only detected under pasture. These differences demonstrate the importance of pasture in the establishment of appropriate agricultural systems for the region.