High phosphorus (P) sorption capacity is a typical feature of oxidic oxisols. P is mainly sorbed by inner-sphere complex affecting charge balance, particle dispersion and, consequently, water-soil relationship. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of P sorption on physical and hydric properties of samples of a Typic Hapludox, from Campos Mantiqueira Region (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples, from 0-0.03 and 0.27-0.30 m depth, were saturated in pure water or P solution to reach the sorption capacity of each layer, followed by evaluation of clay dispersion, flocculation index, porosity, consistence limits, and water retention capacity. P sorption increased the content of dispersible clay and affected the amount of macro and micro pores, increasing the consistence limits and displacing the water retention curve to higher moisture values, causing an increase in available water content.
content of dispersible clay; water retention curve; porosity; consistence limits; available water