Caracterização da densidade do solo a partir da amostragem por zonas de manejo

Abstract

Precision agriculture techniques allow the localized management of soil factors that influence the productive performance of crops, density is one of these factors. Soil density (Ds) is a variable property, being influenced by some factors, such as: structure, degree of compaction, reduced content of organic matter and less aggregation. From the mapping of the spatial variability of the apparent electrical conductivity of the soil (CEa) it is possible to detect variations inherent to the chemical and physical factors of the soil, making it possible to delimit management zones (MZ), used as a basis for sampling and soil characterization. The objective of the work was to map the spatial variability of the ECa, delimit MZ and characterize, in each MZ, the Ds at two depths, in order to assess whether the MZ delimitation, based on the measurement of the ECa, is able to differentiate the degrees of Ds in cultivated areas. The work was carried out in two properties, located in Cachoeira do Sul/RS. The highest values of Ds were observed for the 0.1 – 0.2 m layer, regardless of the area. The MZ delimitation, based on the mapping of the spatial variability of the ECa, was able to differentiate the mean values of Ds between MZ 1 (1.53 g cm-3) and MZ 2 (1.67 g cm-3) in the Area A, in the 0.1 – 0.2 m layer. A statistical difference was observed for the mean values of Ds, in MZ 1, layer 0.1 - 0.2 m, when comparing the two studied areas: A (1.53 g cm-3) and B (1.64 g cm -3).