Alterations in the chemical conditions of the soil due to different soil management systems with sugarcane can cause modifications in clay dispersion and in the state of aggregation of the soil. The effects of different soil management systems with sugarcane on the physical and chemical properties of a cohesive Yellow Argisol were studied, being selected four different use and management systems, constituted of a site with irrigated cultivation, a site with not irrigated cultivation, a site with vinasse application and a site under native forest as original condition. Samples of each site were collected at 0-0,2, 0,2-0,4 and 0,4-0,8 m depths to determine the alterations in the chemical and physical properties of soil. The management systems with sugarcane affected the chemical properties of the soil, resulting in reduction of cation exchange capacity and increase of the electrical conductivity, pH in water and critical flocculation concentration. These chemical alterations resulted in larger clay dispersion in the soil cultivated with sugarcane, reducing the stability of the aggregates in water.
critical flocculation concentration; clay dispersion; soil aggregation; root dry matter
