Organic carbon, biomass and microbial activity in an Oxisol under different management systems

Abstract

Soil management can negatively affect soil quality impairing its functionality. One of the possible ways to assess soils is through the use of biochemical indicators. In this study, the aim of this study was to determine how soil management and use interfere with organic carbon, carbon in biomass and microbial activity, as well as with the acid phosphatase activity of an Oxisol in the Brazilian Cerrado. Five soil uses and management systems were used as treatments: no-tillage, coffee plantation, banana plantation, pasture, and native vegetation. Soil samples were collected at four different times: August, September, October, and November. Reductions in the concentrations of total organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and acid phosphatase activity were observed with management and use of soil under no-tillage, pasture, coffee plantation, and banana plantation in relation to native vegetation. The soil under pasture showed lower reductions in biochemical characteristics compared to the other land uses and managements studied. The practice of fallow in the no-tillage area promoted reductions in microbial biomass carbon, acid phosphatase activity and soil organic carbon, but increased the metabolic quotient, demonstrating that this management is not appropriate for this type of soil.