Author(s): MASCHIO, R.; ANDRADE JÚNIOR, A. S.; MOTA, P. R. D.; MELO, F. B.

Summary: The management of water and soil is an important aspect of sustainable agricultural production. Knowledge of the physical properties of the soil is essential for the characterization of the soil-water-plant interactions and also for the establishment of irrigation management, in accordance with soil and crop requirements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical properties i.e. that pertain to water content, granulometry, bulk density, along with the water retention curve and soil physical degradation index of the "Plateaus of Guadalupe Irrigation District", Piaui State, Brazil. Undisturbed and disturbed soil samples were collected in plots, randomly chosen, as well as in areas of initial preparation, at depths of 0 to 0.2 m and 0.2 to 0.4 m. The water retention curves were molded with suction pressure of -6, -10, -30, -100, -300, -500 and -1500 kPa and adjusted by the Genucthen model. There was an increase in clay levels of the soil depth. The bulk density showed lower values in the areas of initial preparation. The average available soil water was higher in the layer 0 to 0.2 m. Three plots presented problems with the soil physical degradation index, but in general, the soil had good physical conditions for cultivation.

Publication year: 2008

Types of publication: Paper in annals and proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Mid-North

Keywords: Manejo de irrigação, Planejamento Agrícola, Propriedade do solo