Abstract

MURILLO, J. et al. Effect of the application of sustainable practices on the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of degraded soils. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2014, vol.37, n.3, pp. 270-278. ISSN 0864-0394.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the application of sustainable practices on the evolution of the soil properties, in deteriorated areas of the Cesar department. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks and variance analysis was applied. Two treatments were evaluated: control, based on the traditional management of the farmer, without applying soil amelioration practices (prevailing system in the zone); and experimental, which consisted in the application of inorganic amendments and sustainable practices to the soil: adequate tillage, incorporation of green manure (Vigna unguiculata) and establishment of plant cover with associated grasses and legumes (Bothriochloa pertusa, Leucaena leucocephala and Clitoria ternatea). During three years, a comparative evaluation was made of the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the soil. There was a trend towards the improvement of the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, due to the decrease of the apparent density (from 1,68 to 1,53 g cm-3 in the first 30 cm of depth), as well as to the increase of the soil porosity (from 33,28 to 41,2 %), basic infiltration (from 0,5 to 1,3 mm h-1), organic matter (from 0,97 to 1,40 %) and sulfur (from 8,57 to 40,35 mg kg-1). Likewise, neither the sodium concentration nor the electric conductivity was increased. The treatments did not generate considerable alterations in the microbial populations (bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi), which allows to infer that the applied practices did not cause negative impacts on the soil microbiota.

Keywords : Grasses; green manure; legumes; soil compaction; zero tillage.

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