Aggregate stability and penetration resistance after mobilization of a dystrocohesive Ultisol

ABSTRACT Evaluation of mobilized soil profiles can provide important information on soil compaction reduction processes. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate alterations in soil penetration resistance and the impact on the aggregate stability of a cohesive Ultisol cultivated with sugarcane. The experiment was carried out at the Carpina Sugarcane Experimental Station (EECAC/UFRPE), located in the city of Carpina, PE. Penetration resistance, mobilized area and depth, and percentage of soil aggregates were evaluated before and after soil tillage. Soil mobilization improved soil aggregate uniformity and decreased penetration resistance in the 0-0.20 m layer. Coarse soil fraction, moisture and organic carbon positively contributed to the increase in soil mobilization.