EVOLUTION OF AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF COMPACTION BY AGRICULTURAL TRAFFIC IN A TYPICAL ARGIUDOL

Abstract

The level of phosphorus (P) available in the soil is a dynamic variable, influenced by soil properties, plant and environmental conditions. Physical degradation processes affect soil structure and nutrient availability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of P over time, at different levels of soil compaction by agricultural traffic. The following treatments were used: T0: control (without passes of tractor); T1 (6 passes) and T2 (12 passes). Soil samples were taken from 0-10 cm depth at intervals of 60 days up to 180 days. P, bulk density (DAP), organic matter (MO) and pH were evaluated. MO and pH analyzes were performed in a complementary manner as they are factors closely related to P dynamics. DAP increased with agricultural traffic intensity, while phosphorus availability showed an inverse relationship with DAP in the samples taken at 60 and 120 days; high rainfall was recorded during this period. After 180 days, no differences were found in available P between compaction treatments. The correlation analysis of pH and organic matter with available P was not significant for the test conditions.