Physical quality of Yellow Oxisol of a coastal plain under different management systems in sugarcane

The physical attributes are important indicators to evaluate management systems. The objective of this research was to study alterations in the soil properties of the distrophic cohesive yellow Oxisol of a coastal plain in Alagoas state, Brazil, cultivated with sugarcane. Plots were selected in the following sugarcane-growing areas: area under irrigation management system (IMS), area fertigated with vinasse (FV), and area under application of vinasse + filter cake (V + FC). These management systems were compared to each other and to a control (native forest). The bulk soil density, total porosity, weighted mean diameter of the aggregates, hydraulic conductivity, total organic carbon and compaction degree were evaluated in 0-0.20; 0.20-0.40 e 0.40-0.60 m depths. The results showed that management system that receives residues of the sugarcane presents alterations in the physical properties of soil more adequate for development of sugarcane. Among the evaluated systems, little physical degradation was observed in area with application of vinasse + filter cake followed by area with application of vinasse.