African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6863

Full Length Research Paper

The effect of vegetation covers on the physical properties of a red latosol

Mauro Eloi Nappo
  • Mauro Eloi Nappo
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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Reginaldo Sergio Pereira
  • Reginaldo Sergio Pereira
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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Eder Pereira Miguel
  • Eder Pereira Miguel
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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Ricardo de Oliveira Gaspar
  • Ricardo de Oliveira Gaspar
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi
  • Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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Humberto Angelo
  • Humberto Angelo
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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Milton Serpa de Meira Junior
  • Milton Serpa de Meira Junior
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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Ailton Teixeira do Vale
  • Ailton Teixeira do Vale
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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Ildeu Soares Martins
  • Ildeu Soares Martins
  • Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil.
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  •  Received: 25 August 2017
  •  Accepted: 21 September 2017
  •  Published: 26 October 2017

Abstract

In this study, the physical properties of a red latosol were assessed under Cerrado (a Savannah like vegetation type) and under of Eucalyptus grandis cultivation. Two contiguous sites of 14 ha each showing similar original vegetation cover, slope, topographic position, soil type, and sun exposure (aspect) were selected. Systematically, 20 sampling points were distributed in each site, from which soil deformed samples were collected to determine soil texture and non-deformed soil samples were collected to determine apparent density, volumetric soil moisture, and penetration resistance. Based on this study’s results, it was observed that by changing land cover of Cerrado vegetation to cultivation, E. grandis provided no significant changes, Scott-Knott test (α = 0.05) of soil penetration resistance, density, and volumetric moisture of the red latosol.

 

Key words: Cerrado vegetation, Eucalyptus grandis, land use, land cover change.