The objective of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility to compaction of an utisoil under different soil managements and use. Evaluations were based on both maximum density (MD) and critical humidity (CH) through Standard Proctor compaction tests, and the degree of compaction in different soil managements and use. The study was carried out at the Triunfo Mill, State of Alagoas in Brazil. The testing area consisted of four distinct sub-areas: a preserved forest (MA), an area without irrigation (MSI), an irrigated area (MCI), and an area with vinasse (MCV). Undeformed soil samples were collected for soil density and the deformed ones for organic matter and Standard Proctor tests in order to obtain MD, CH and the compaction grade (CG). Plots (50 × 50 m) were randomized within the four areas at depths of 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm, with three replications. Data were submitted to variance analyses, and means compared through the Tukey test at 5% of probability. MD data followed the grade MSI > MCI > MCV > MA, in contrast to CH which presented the inverse sequence. Therefore MSI and MCI can cause soil degradation, even at lower CH. Only MCI presented CG higher than 4.3%, the critical value reference, at 0-20 cm.
compaction degree; normal Proctor; vinasse
