The input of organic compounds in agriculture and the soil wetting and drying cycles have a strong influence on soil aggregation. This study investigated the effect of incubation periods and the influence of wetting and drying cycles with the addition of organic compounds of distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics on the aggregation of a Red-Yellow Latosol. The experiments were arranged in an incomplete factorial design 2 x 3[(4-1) + (4-1)]. The factors were: air-dried soil of A and B horizons, three incubation periods (40, 80 and 160 days), three organic compounds (amid, estearic acid, and humic acid), the combination of presence and absence of amid/acid humic (Am + AH), (4-1) and estearic acid/humic acid (E + AH), (4 + 1). All experimental units were kept in a BOD incubator at 25 ºC and in natural environment, where they underwent 5, 11 and 22 wetting and drying cycles. After the incubation period, the aggregate samples were analyzed for aggregate stability index, mean weight diameter, mean geometric diameter, and water repellence degree. Results indicated that even in the long term the application of organic compounds with strong hydrophobic character contributes considerably to the improvement of water aggregate stability. The 5.5 g kg-1 dose achieved best results. To improve the aggregation, the application of hydrophilic organic compounds should be continuous in intervals of up to 40 days. Soil wetting and drying cycles reduced the effect of organic compounds on aggregation.
aggregation; genesis; organic acids; tropical soils
