Índice S no diagnóstico da qualidade estrutural de latossolo muito argiloso sob manejo intensivo

Abstract

In this study we verified the adequacy of use of the Dexter S index in the diagnosis of structural quality of a Cerrado Oxisol cultivated with coffee in management system that adopts the application of high doses of gypsum in row culture, mechanized cultivation and management of Brachiaria in the interrows, and preparation of the furrow 60 cm deep, among other techniques of intensive management. The S was correlated with the density and porosity of the soil at depths of 5, 20, 40 and 80 cm along the row of coffee, and 5, 10, 20, 40, 65 cm between rows of coffee. For the determination of the S at different depths and sampling sites were built water retention curves, using samples with structure preserved. The values of this physical attribute were greater than 0.045 indicating good soil physical quality under the management system adopted. There was good correlation between the S with the physical attributes analyzed, showing that this is a good tool to use in the diagnosis of structural soil quality.