The main objective of this study was to evaluate the stability and aggregate distribution of an Ultisol submitted to different management systems under sugarcane cultivation. Evaluated areas consisted of native forest (MA) and sugarcane managed areas with irrigation (MCI), vinasse irrigation (MCV) and without irrigation (MSI). Management of the areas followed the same conventional preparation: heavy and light harrowing and subsoiling. Undeformed soil samples were collected along the lines of the crop and in native forest to determine aggregate stability, expressed by the average weighted diameter (DMP), aggregate stability index (IEA), module of thinness (MF), percentage of stable aggregate in water larger than 2.0 mm (AGRI) and total organic carbon. The distinct kinds of soil management on sugarcane promoted decrease in aggregate stability as soil depth increased. In relation to native forest, aggregate stability reduced in the sequence MA > MCV > MCI > MSI. MSI showed the lowest aggregation indexes, in contrast to MCV data which closely linked with MA data and presented the best aggregate stability index in water. Significant and positive correlations were obtained between total organic carbon and stability indexes studied (DMP > AGRI > MF > IEA) under different management situations.
soil, aggregate stability; correlations; residue use
