Physico-mechanical attributes of a Typic Hapludox in areas with different sugarcane cultivation times

The objective of this study was to evaluate from physical and mechanical parameters the evolution of the compaction of an Oxisol in areas with different sugarcane cultivation times in the city of Salto do Jacuí, RS. The evaluations were conducted in areas with two, four e six years of cultivation and an area of native forest. Soil samples with preserved structure were collected in soil layers from 0.00 to 0.05 m; 0.05 to 0.10 m; and 0.10 to 0.20 m, as to determine soil physical and mechanical attributes. The results have shown that over time conventional sugarcane cultivation provides an increase in soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance values and a decrease in soil porosity, mainly due to the reduce in soil macroporosity. These changes are of such magnitude that they can be considered restrictive to root development. In six years of cultivation, the bulk density was closer to the preconsolidation pressure density value, indicating higher soil degradation.