Several penetrometers have been used to evaluate soil resistance to penetration in tillage systems. However, the values obtained with them, diverge. This research was carried out with the objective of comparing results obtained with three penetrometers in three levels of compactness, using soil samples collected at 0-20 cm depth of an Oxisol (Haplustox) (LVd), medium texture, an Oxisol (Eutrustox) (LVef) and clayey texture. The soils were compacted in layers, in pots of 25 cm diameter and 20 cm height. Soil resistance to penetration with impact and and electronic dynamometrical ring penetrometers were determined. The impact penetrometer presented superior values of resistance to penetration in relation to the static and electronic dynamometrical ring penetrometers; moreover all were efficient to characterize soil compactness. The results obtained with the ring penetrometer and eletronic penetrometers were similar.
resistance to penetration; soil physical attributes; water content
