ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the impact of agroforestry systems in the physical quality of an Acric Red Latosol. In 2012, soil samples were taken at 0-0.10 m layer from the tree lines and between these lines, in two agroforestry systems carried out in no-tillage, one facing food security and other energy production, installed in 2009 in Santo Antônio de Goiás, GO. Bulk density, macroporosity, total porosity, S index, aggregate diameter, available water capacity and soil aeration capacity were determined and compared with values considered in literature as non-limiting to productivity. After three years of the establishment of agroforestry systems, the soil in the tree lines showed better soil physical quality than that between the lines. Bulk density, macroporosity, total porosity, S index, and soil aeration capacity were mainly responsible for discriminating treatments. In general, combinations of cover crops and main crops that involving grasses (Poaceae) resulted in worse soil physical quality.
Key words:
soil physical attributes; no-tillage; cover crops
