The continuos use of the soil interferes in its intrinsic characteristics, which changes according to the use and management applied. This present study evaluates some pedologic alterations, resulting from traditional soil management system, in citrus (Citrus sinensis) and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) fields subjected to extended planting cycles for a long period. Field and laboratory observations were undertaken in vertical profiles of the Red Latosol in Bariri County, State of São Paulo when morphological descriptions and laboratory analyses (particle size distribution, porosity, bulk density, organic matter, water infiltration rates and micromorphology) were established with some parameters evaluated by means of measure comparisons. The results obtained revealed that the intensive cultivation practices promoted significant soil structure alterations, with difficulty to root growth in both cases. In sugar cane fields, the intensive management promoted great soil structure alterations even in the deeper layers with changing in the voids geometry, which cause planar voids and fissures. In citrus cultivation, the deeper root systems and reduced soil mobility worked together for a greater aggregate stability, promoting adequate root development compared to the sugar cane.
soil micromorphology; micro-aggregate structure; water infiltration rate; void geometry
