Back R. T. S. Frighetto1, P. J. Valarini1, H. Tokeshi2 and D. A. Oliveira1
EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) - CNPMA (National Research Center for Monitoring and Environmental Impact Assessment), Jaguariuna SP, Brazil1 and
Luiz de Queiroz, College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba
SP, Brazil2
Full Paper (PDF File: 117KB)
Abstract
Soil diseases in the agroecosystems with intensive use of chemicals are
due to the loss of biodiversity reflecting on autoregulation of pest, diseases,
compaction, erosion and environmental pollution. Physico-chemical, biological
and biochemical parameters were used to analyse the effects of changes
in management practices on soil stability and productivity. Samples were
collected from farm managed by producers with following 9 treatments :1)
two natural forest areas around the experimental sites as sustainable system
(T4 and T8); 2) 8 years pasture site (T2); 3) three sustainable systems
( use of EM-crop residues during 4 to 6 years cultivated with vegetables
- T1, T5 and T7). The samples were analysed by chemical (macro and micro-nutrients,
pH, organic matter content), biological (microbial counting methods) and
biochemical parameters (dehydrogenase activity and polysaccharides content
in carbon). Use of EM has improved enhancement in biological and chemical
properties compared to conventional management practices. Any soil compaction
was observed in EM-treated systems. Polysaccharide content showed to be
powerfull tool in measuring the effect of management practices on soil
stability.