ABSTRACT Several factors interact controlling ammonia (NH3) volatilization contributing to the variability of results reported in the literature. In the milkmaid basin of Santa Fe there is no information on nitrogen loss through NH3 volatilization from dairy cattle slurry (DCS) applied to soil. The objective of this study was to quantify NH3 volatilization from application of different rates of dairy cattle slurry in winter and summer in a soil in the central region of Santa Fe (Argentina). A field experiment was carried out and four treatments were applied. The treatments included the application of three different doses of DCS: D1 = 60 m3 ha-1, D2 = 120 m3 ha-1, D3 = 180 m3 ha-1 and a control treatment without application (D0). The experiment was conducted in summer (February) and winter (July) in a randomized complete design with two replications. The NH3 volatilization was significantly higher in the summer than in the winter. The volatilization initial rates were not affected by the DCS rates applied in the different seasons of the year. The decrease in NH3 volatilization rates was related to the season of the year. The NH3 volatilization rates decrease faster in DCS treatments compared to control. This study demonstrated that NH3 volatilization was strongly related to the season of the year and to a lesser extent with the DCS rates applied.

RESUMEN Los factores involucrados en la volatilización de amoníaco (NH3) son diversos e interactúan entre sí, lo que genera variabilidad en los resultados reportados en la literatura. En el centro de la cuenca lechera santafesina no existe información sobre las pérdidas de nitrógeno por volatilización generadas a partir de la aplicación al suelo de efluentes líquidos de tambo (ELT). El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar la volatilización de NH3 luego de la aplicación de diferentes dosis de efluentes líquidos de tambo en invierno y verano en un suelo de la región centro de Santa Fe (Argentina). El experimento se realizó a campo y se aplicaron cuatro tratamientos que consistieron en la aplicación de tres dosis diferentes (D1= 60 m3 ha-1, D2 = 120 m3 ha-1, D3 = 180 m3 ha-1) de ELT y un tratamiento testigo sin aplicación (D0). El experimento fue realizado en verano (febrero) y en invierno (julio) siguiendo un diseño completamente aleatorizado con dos repeticiones. La volatilización de NH3 fue significativamente mayor en verano respecto de invierno. Las tasas iniciales de volatilización de NH3 no fueron afectadas por las dosis de ELT aplicadas en las distintas estaciones del año. La disminución de las tasas de volatilización estuvo relacionada con la estación del año y decrecieron más rápido en los tratamientos con ELT comparado con el testigo. Los resultados demuestran que la volatilización de NH3 está fuertemente relacionada con la estación del año y en menor medida con la dosis de ELT aplicada.

The objective of this research was to analyze the effect of the use of plots-nighttime and liming on soil properties in a degraded Aquic Argiudoll. In a field experiment three treatments were established: a) plots-nighttime (N), b) plots-nighttime+liming (NC) and c) control without amendments (T). The pH in NC increased compared to T and N. The CIC and P increased in N and NC respect to T. CIC increased in NC respect to N. Ca ++ increased in NC respect to T and N. No differences were detected in TOC, COP and CE. The IHO was narrower in T.

El objetivo fue analizar el efecto del lote-nochero y la aplicación de carbonato de calcio (CaCO3) sobre las propiedades edáficas de un Argiudol ácuico degradado. Se evaluaron a campo tres tratamientos: a) lote-nochero (N), b) lote-nochero+aplicación de CaCO3 (NC) y c) testigo sin enmiendas (T). El pH en NC aumentó comparado con T y N. La CIC y P se incrementaron en N y NC respecto de T. Sólo la CIC aumentó en NC respecto de N. El Ca++ se incrementó en NC respecto de T y N. No se detectaron respuestas en COT, COP y CE. El IHO fue más estrecho en T.

ABSTRACT Measurements of the soil cone index are widely used to assess soil resistance to root penetration (SR) and to monitor the soil compaction status of agricultural fields. However, soil sampling for SR estimation is a rather challenging task in view of the high spatial and temporal variability of the soil. This study proposed a bootstrapping method to determine the minimum sample size required to estimate the vertical profile of mean soil cone index (CI) values at different levels of precision and confidence. For this purpose, CI data from a Typic Argiudoll under no-tillage before and after chiseling was used. A total of 151 CI profiles were recorded before and after chiseling in a 3,200 m2 (40 × 80 m) no-tillage area at sampling points distributed on a horizontal 5 × 5 m aligned grid and from the top layer to 0.40 m depth by in 0.02 m intervals. A modified bootstrap routine was developed to estimate the sampling distribution of the sample mean and medians of CI values per layer. The minimum sample size to estimate the vertical profile of mean CI values at different levels of precision and confidence was determined from data of the whole soil profile, including the autocorrelation of CI readings in the vertical direction. Tilling increased the variability of this measurement and thus the sampling efforts to achieve the same level of precision and confidence were different before and after the procedure. The standard errors of sample medians estimated by bootstrapping were higher than those corresponding to sample means. In addition, to achieve the same level of precision and confidence, the estimation of the vertical profile of mean CI values based on sample medians required more observations than based on sample means. This study shows that the viability of the bootstrap approach to determine the implications of soil variability on the sampling efforts required for an accurate estimation of the vertical distribution of resistance in soils under different managements.

The use of soil in potting production difficult the crop management and involves the depletion of a nonrenewable resource. Therefore, is necessary to find alternatives for replacement. The objective of this study was to formulate substrates from pine bark (C), leaves of pine (P) and subtropical peat (T) to evaluate their physicochemical properties and quality for growing flowering plants in pots. Seven formulated substrates were evaluated: 1) 1C:1P:1T, 2) 2C:1P:1T, 3) 1C:2P:2T, 4) 2C:1P:2T, 5) 2C:2P:1T, 6) 1C:4P:2T y 7) 2C:4P:1T, one local substrate (leaves of pine + subtropical peat + mineral soil) and one commercial substrate (Blonde and black peat + perlite + vermiculite). Bulk density, total pore space (TPS), water holding capacity (WHC), pore air (PA), particle size, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) was analyzed. Was performed a trial with Viola tricolor var . Yellow, one with Petunia hybrida var. White and one with Salvia splendes var. red. Each trial was composed of nine treatments (substrates evaluated) and 10 repetitions. At the end of the trials the number of buds and flowers, length and stem diameter, shoot and root dry mass were measured. The formulated and commercial substrate presented low bulk density (<0.4 g cm-3). The local substrate was noted for having the highest bulk density and percentage in the size fraction <1 mm due to the presence of soil in its formulation. The particle size >3.35 mm was higher in the substrate 6, 7 and commercial substrate; this explains the high percentage of PA in the first two. The substrates 6 and 7 showed the lowest values in the percentage of the fraction <1 mm, coinciding with lower CRA. All substrates had a suitable pH and EC values (pH: 5.5 – 6.3 and EC: < 1dS m-1 (1+5 v/v)). The substrates formulated obtained floral seedlings quality, but the substrates 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were highlighted to achieve greater absolute value in most variables. These substrates had a more balanced water/air ratio (PA <50% and CRA> 35%).

El uso de suelo para la producción en macetas dificulta el manejo del cultivo e implica el agotamiento de un recurso no renovable. Esto genera la necesidad de encontrar alternativas para su reemplazo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue formular sustratos a partir de corteza de pino (C), pinocha (P) y turba subtropical (T) para evaluar sus propiedades físico-químicas y verificar su calidad para el cultivo de plantas florales en macetas. Se evaluaron siete sustratos formulados: 1) 1C:1P:1T, 2) 2C:1P:1T,3) 1C:2P:2T, 4) 2C:1P:2T, 5) 2C:2P:1T, 6) 1C:4P:2T y 7) 2C:4P:1T, un sustrato local (Pinocha + turba subtropical + suelo mineral) y uno comercial (Turba rubia y negra + perlita + vermiculita). En todos se analizó densidad aparente, espacio poroso total (EPT), capacidad de retención de agua (CRA), porosidad de aire (PA), granulometría, pH y conductividad eléctrica (CE). Se realizó un ensayo con Viola tricolor var. Yellow, otro con Petunia hybrida var. White y otro con Salvia splendes var. rojo. Cada uno de ellos constó de nueve tratamientos (sustratos evaluados) y 10 repeticiones. Al finalizar los ensayos se contabilizaron los pimpollos y flores, longitud y diámetro del tallo, masa seca aérea y radicular. Los sustratos formulados y el comercial presentaron baja densidad aparente (<0,4 g cm-3). El sustrato local tuvo la mayor densidad aparente y porcentaje en la fracción granulométrica <1 mm debido a la presencia de suelo en su formulación. La fracción granulométrica >3,35 mm fue mayor en el sustrato 6, 7 y comercial, esto explicó el alto porcentaje de PA en los dos primeros. Los sustratos 6 y 7 presentaron los menores valores en el porcentaje de la fracción <1 mm, coincidiendo con su menor CRA. El pH y la CE de todos los sustratos fueron adecuados (pH: 5,5-6,3 y CE: <1dS m-1 (1+5 v/v)). Los sustratos formulados produjeron plantines florales de calidad, pero se destacaron los sustratos 1, 2, 3, 4 y 5 por lograr mayor valor absoluto en la mayoría de las variables. Estos sustratos presentaron una relación agua/aire más equilibrada (PA <50% y de CRA >35%).

The objectives of this study were to determine the pseudototal and available contents of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn as well as their speciation in Argiudolls located in the flat Argentine Pampas, in Santa Fe province, and to compare the contents extracted by EDTA with those by a sequential method. Four soils with different soil use intensity were selected for the study. Pseudototal micronutrient contents were determined and their concentrations were estimated by simple (EDTA) and sequential (BCR) extraction methods. The pseudototal average contents of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were: 14.4; 14010; 757 and 58.9 mg kg-1, respectively. The EDTA extractable levels were: 4.4; 174.8; 410.6 and 8.4 mg kg-1, respectively. The concentrations of Cu estimated by both methods were similar while higher contents of Fe, Mn and Zn were estimated by the BCR method. Iron, Zn and Cu were mainly found in the residual fraction. About 30% of total Cu was available in the oxidizable fraction and bound to soil organic matter. Zinc was primarily associated with the residual fraction and to a lesser degree to exchangeable, oxidizable and reducible forms. Manganese was mostly linked to the reducible, water-acid soluble and exchangeable fractions. These results confirm that in these soils the availability of all micronutrients determined by the EDTA method are above the critical values for crop growth.

Los objetivos del trabajo fueron determinar los contenidos pseudototales, disponibles y ligados a las distintas fracciones químicas de Cu, Zn, Mn y Fe en Argiudoles de la pampa llana santafesina y comparar la concentración de estos micronutrientes extraídos con EDTA y con un método secuencial. Para esto se seleccionaron cuatro suelos con distinta intensidad de uso en los que se determinó el contenido pseudototal de estos elementos y su concentración con un método simple (EDTA) y de extracción secuencial (BCR). Los contenidos promedios pseudototales de Cu, Fe, Mn y Zn fueron: 14,4; 14010; 757 y 58,9 mg kg-1 respectivamente. Los niveles extractables con EDTA fueron: 4,4; 174,8; 410,6 y 8,4 mg kg-1, respectivamente. Los niveles de Cu estimados por ambos métodos fueron similares mientras que BCR extrajo mayores contenidos de Fe, Mn y Zn. La mayor parte del Fe, Zn y Cu se encontró en la fracción residual. Alrededor del 30% del Cu está disponible en la fracción oxidable y ligada a la materia orgánica. El Zn se asoció fundamentalmente a la fracción residual y en menor medida a formas intercambiables, oxidables y reducibles. El Mn está principalmente en la fracción reducible y en la fracción soluble en agua-ácido e intercambiable. Los resultados confirman que en estos suelos la disponibilidad de todos los micronutrientes -determinados con EDTA- se encuentran por encima de los valores críticos.

The studies related to the concentration and bioavailability of soil micronutrients are very limited for the central region of Santa Fe province, reason for which the objectives of the current research were: a) to determine the decrease of the micronutrient contents in Argiudolls of Santa Fe as a consequence of soil use, and b) to correlate the micronutrient bioavailability with soil properties that were affected by the intensification of productive systems (organic matter, pH). The study was carried out in Argiudolls of Las Colonias county (Santa Fe). Composite soil samples were collected from 20 fields under pristine conditions (CP), 22 fields under milk production history (G), 24 fields under agricultural-livestock history (AG) and 20 fields under a long agricultural history (A). These samples were used to determine: pH, organic carbon (OC), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). The results indicate that the pH did not vary among the studied situations; the values of OC diminished 40% with the intensification of agriculture; the concentration of B and Zn in fields with a long agricultural history decreased 50% with respect to the pristine condition; the Cu concentration was not altered; Fe and Mn did not show a clear tendency to change as a function of the soil use. Zinc deficiencies could occur in some cases, therefore, its concentration should be routinely controlled, especially in intensive systems, to assure an appropriate supply of nutrients according to the crop demand.

Las investigaciones realizadas en la zona Central de la provincia de Santa Fe en relación con la concentración y biodisponibilidad de micronutrientes en los suelos son muy limitadas, por lo que los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron: a) determinar si se produjo una disminución en los contenidos de micronutrientes en Argiudoles del centro de la provincia de Santa Fe como consecuencia del uso a que fueron destinados y b) correlacionar la biodisponibilidad con propiedades del suelo que se conoce que fueron afectadas por la intensificación de los sistemas productivos (MO, pH). Se trabajó en el departamento Las Colonias (Santa Fe), en suelos Argiudoles. Se colectaron muestras compuestas de 20 lotes en condiciones prístinas (CP), 22 lotes con uso ganadero dedicados a la producción láctea (G), 24 lotes con historia agrícola-ganadera (AG) y 20 lotes con prolongada historia agrícola (A), que se utilizaron para determinar: pH, carbono orgánico oxidable (CO), boro (B), cobre (Cu), hierro (Fe), manganeso (Mn) y cinc (Zn). Los resultados indican que el pH no varió entre las situaciones estudiadas; los valores de CO disminuyeron (40%) con la intensificación de la agricultura; la concentración de B y Zn se redujo en un 50% de la condición prístina a los lotes con larga historia agrícola; el Cu no sufrió alteraciones; Fe y Mn no muestran una tendencia clara de cambio en función del uso del suelo. En algunos casos podrían ocurrir deficiencias de Zn, por lo que debería controlarse rutinariamente su concentración, especialmente en los sistemas intensivos, para asegurar una disponibilidad adecuada a las necesidades de los cultivos. En todos los sistemas de uso analizados los tenores de micronutrientes presentaron elevada variabilidad.

The processes and properties that regulate crop performance and yield vary in space and time. The assessment of the magnitude and spatial structure of their variation is required in order to apply site-specific crop management (SSCM). Our aim was to assess the intra-field spatial variability of some chemical and physical topsoil properties of a typic Argiudoll of the center of Santa Fe for the use of the SSCM. Sixty soil samples of the top layer (0-20 cm depth) were taken in a 475 x 100 m plot. Sampling was distributed in three transects separated by 50 m with 20 points every 25 m. Disturbed soil samples were used to analyze N of nitrates (NNO 3), total organic C (COT), total N (Nt); available P (P), sand (Arena), clay (Arcilla) and soil reaction (pH). Soil bulk density (Ds) was determined on non-disturbed soil samples taken at 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. Summary statistics were calculated and the spatial dependence was determined with sample variograms and envelopes obtained by permutations. Coefficients of variation (CV) for COT, Nt, Arena, Arcilla, Ds 0-10, Ds 10-20, and pH were low (CV < 15%) while they were moderate for P and N-NO3 (15 < CV < 35%). Moderate spatial dependence with a range of 96 m was only observed for N-NO3. The other soil properties had no autocorrelation because their variation occured at distances shorter than 25 m. In this study, the low variability and lack of spatial dependence of the soil properties did not allow modeling their spatial distribution as well as the development of reliable soil maps that would allow the use of the SSCM.

Los procesos y atributos que influyen sobre el desempeño de los cultivos varían en el espacio y tiempo. Su magnitud y estructura espacial es específica para cada lote y su cuantificación es necesaria para la aplicación del manejo sitio-específico de cultivos (MSEC). Nuestro objetivo fue examinar la variabilidad espacial intra-lote de atributos químicos y físicos del horizonte superficial de un Argiudol típico del centro de Santa Fe para la implementación del MSEC. En una parcela de 475 x 100 m se tomaron 60 muestras distribuidas en 3 transectas de 20 puntos separados cada 25 m y 50 m entre transecta. En cada muestra perturbada (0-20 cm) se determinó N de nitratos (N-NO3), C orgánico total (COT), N total (Nt); P extractable (P), arena, arcilla, reacción del suelo (pH). La densidad aparente del suelo (Ds) se determinó a partir de muestras no perturbadas de las profundidades 0-10 y 10-20 cm. Se calcularon estadísticas descriptivas y se analizó la dependencia espacial de los atributos mediante variogramas empíricos y sus límites obtenidos por permutación (envelopes). Los coeficientes de variación (CV) para COT, Nt, Arena, Arcilla, Ds 0-10, Ds 10-20 y pH fueron bajos (CV < 15%) mientras que para P y N-NO3 fueron moderados (15 < CV < 35%). La dependencia espacial del N-NO3 fue moderada con un rango de 96 m, mientras que el resto de los atributos no presentó autocorrelación producto de la variación que ocurre a distancias menores a la utilizada en el muestreo. En este estudio no fue posible modelar la distribución espacial de los atributos ni obtener mapas de la condición de suelo confiables que permitan orientar el uso de MSEC debido a la escasa variabilidad y ausencia de estructura espacial de las propiedades del suelo evaluadas.

During the last decade, the soil use intensification, the high nutrient extraction rates and the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer have increased the degradation of Santa Fe soils. The objective of this study was to quantify the differences among cultivated soils (SC) and their respective non-cultivated situations (SNC) for diverse chemical and biological attributes. The following properties were evaluated in typical and aquic Argiudolls of the center of Santa Fe:,organic matter (MO), pH, exchangeable bases (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm). The comparison between SNC and SC showed that, in both depths, a decrease took place of the values of MO (near 30%), calcium (20%), magnesium (30%) and pH (up to 0,6 units in the 0-15 cm layer). The exchangeable potassium and the cation exchange capacity showed significant decreases in SC compared to SNC only in the 0-15 cm layer. The actual content of K corresponds to 64% of the original value. The exchangeable sodium was the only chemical parameter that did not show a significant alteration due to the soil use. The results of this study confirm that the Argiudolls of the center of Santa Fe suffered a significant change in some of their properties in relation to their natural situation.

Durante las últimas décadas la intensificación en el uso del suelo, las elevadas tasas de extracción de nutrientes y el incremento en el uso de fertilizantes nitrogenados llevaron a marcados procesos de degradación de los suelos de la región central de Santa Fe. El objetivo de este trabajo fue cuantificar las diferencias existentes entre suelos cultivados (SC) y sus respectivas situaciones no cultivadas (SNC) para diversos atributos químicos y biológicos. En suelos Argiudoles típicos y ácuicos del centro de Santa Fe se evaluaron, en dos profundidades (0-15 y 15-30 cm), los siguientes atributos: materia orgánica (MO), pH, bases intercambiables (calcio, magnesio, sodio y potasio) y capacidad de intercambio catiónico (CIC). Comparando SNC y SC, en ambas profundidades, hubo una reducción del contenido de MO (próxima a 30%), de Ca++ (20%), de Mg++ (30%) y del pH (de hasta 0,6 unidades en los 0-15 cm). La capacidad de intercambio catiónico y los niveles de K+ disminuyeron significativamente sólo en los 0-15 cm, encontrándose actualmente el 64% del potasio original. El sodio intercambiable fue el único parámetro químico que no sufrió alteración significativa debido al uso de los suelos. Los resultados de este estudio confirmarían que los suelos Argiudoles del centro de Santa Fe sufrieron una alteración significativa de la mayoría de sus propiedades en relación a su situación prístina.

A compactação do solo causa severos problemas devido a que gera diferentes mudanças nas características das plantas. Não existem métodos que possibilitem o uso das mudanças da morfologia das raízes como indicadores de níveis de compactação do solo. Avaliaram-se se alterações morfológicas nos ápices de soja podem ser utilizadas como indicadores de graus de compactação do solo. Solo peneirado a 2 mm, classificado como Typic Argiudol (série Esperanza), foi compactado até atingir os seguintes valores de densidade do solo: 1.1, 1.3 e 1.5 g cm³, para os quais corresponderam os valores de resistência mecânica de < 0.1, 0.5 e 3.5 MPa, respectivamente. A distância desde o ápice até a primeira raiz terciária e o diâmetro a 1.5 cm desde o ápice foram medidos nas raízes secundarias. Um fator de forma foi calculado fazendo o quociente entre as duas variáveis medidas. Houve uma relação inversa entre o cumprimento da raiz secundaria e fator de forma com a resistência mecânica, e uma relação direta entre esta ultima e o diâmetro das raízes secundárias. Alterações nas células da rizoderme foram determinadas. As seguintes características morfológicas se mostraram muito sensíveis a compactação do solo: i) o fator de forma, ii) as células papilosas da rizoderme, iii) malformações apicais nos pelos das raízes, e iv) diâmetro das raízes em áreas de expansão. As características morfológicas dos ápices das raízes podem ser consideradas indicadores de compactação dos solos.

Plant soil compaction poses a serious problem to agriculture because it produces different types of changes in plant characteristics. No method has been implemented to date to use root morphological changes as indicators of soil compaction levels. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether or not the morphological changes in root apexes of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) can be used as indicators of soil compaction levels. To this end, a silt-loamy soil material (from a Typic Argiudoll, Esperanza series), sieved through a 2 mm mesh was used and the following soil bulk density levels were determined: 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5 g cm³ for which the corresponding mechanical resistances were < 0.1, 0.5 and 3.5 MPa, respectively. The distance from the apex to the first tertiary root and the root diameter at 1.5 cm from the apex were measured on the secondary root apexes. A form factor equal to the quotient between these two variables was subsequently calculated. An inverse relationship between soil mechanical impedance and secondary root length and form factor as well as a direct relationship with the secondary root diameter were observed. Changes in rhizodermis cells were also recorded. The following morphological characteristics were found to evidence the highest sensitivity to soil compaction: i) the form factor, ii) rhizodermis papillose cells, iii) apical malformations in root hairs, and iv) root diameter in expansion areas. Taken together, the morphological characteristics of root apexes could be considered to be indicative of soil compaction.

A qualidade física do solo é fundamental para a sustentabilidade dos sistemas agropecuários e deve ser feita por meio de parâmetros que descrevem o comportamento físico do mesmo. O índice S é um desses novos parâmetros, proposto para quantificar a qualidade física do solo. Valores de S > 0,035 têm sido associados com uma boa qualidade física relacionada à produção agrícola nos solos desenvolvidos em clima temperado. Contudo, S não tem sido avaliado em solos tropicais. Consequentemente, a hipótese deste trabalho é que S pode ser utilizado como indicador da qualidade física de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico cultivado com milho em sistemas de plantio direto (PD) e de preparo convencional do solo (PC). Amostras indeformadas de solo foram obtidas em PD e PC nas posições linha e entrelinha da cultura de milho. A densidade do solo foi medida e o índice S foi calculado usando uma função de pedotransferência obtida no mesmo, em condições experimentais. O índice S diferenciou os sistemas de preparo e posições de amostragem, sendo S PD < S PC independente das posições de amostragem linha e entrelinha. Na posição linha verificou-se maiores valores de S tanto em PD como em PC. O valor de S diminuiu com o aumento da densidade do solo, indicando a redução da sua qualidade física, associada à compactação do mesmo. Os resultados confirmam a hipótese estabelecida e sugerem que mais estudos devem ser conduzidos para quantificar o índice S em diferentes solos e sistemas de manejo sob condições tropicais.

Soil physical quality is fundamental for the sustainability of agro ecosystems. Soil physical quality assessment must be developed using parameters that describe physical behavior. S, a new soil physical parameter has recently been introduced for assessing the soil physical quality. A good soil physical quality has been associated with values of S > 0.035 in soils from temperate climates. However, S has not been evaluated in tropical soils yet. Therefore we tested the hypothesis that S is a reliable soil physical quality indicator of a Typic Hapludox cropped with maize under no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). Undisturbed samples were collected from each tillage system in the row and interrow positions. Soil bulk density was determined in the samples and the S parameter was calculated using a pedotransfer function from the same samples. The parameter S was able to differentiate tillage and position with S NT < S CT independent of the row and interrow sampling positions. Higher S values were verified in row position than in the interrow in both tillage systems. With the use of a pedotransfer function it was also possible to establish a negative relationship between S and soil compaction. The results confirmed our hypothesis and suggest that further studies should be carried out to evaluate S in other tropical soils and management systems.