The physical and chemical properties of coastal plain soils cultivated with sugarcane for a long period under different management systems may undergo changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different sugarcane management systems on the chemical and physical properties of a dystrophic cohesive Yellow Latosol of coastal tablelands in the state of Alagoas. Three experimental plots were selected in sugarcane growing areas, representing the three management systems used for ethanol production, namely: a cultivated area under irrigation management, an area under fertirrigation with vinasse and an area with application of vinasse + filter cake. The management systems were compared with each other and with a control area of native forest. To assess physical and chemical properties, soil samples were randomly collected in the areas under different management systems at depths of 0-0.20; 0.20-0.40 and 0.40-0.60 m, from the sugarcane interrows. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and the means compared by the Tukey test at 5 %. Simple correlation analysis was performed between some variables. Results showed changes in the soil physical and chemical properties due to the different management systems. The soil consistency parameters tended to increase with the increase of total organic carbon, resulting from the application of sugar cane waste. In the management systems with application of sugar cane waste the deterioration in soil physical and chemical properties was reduced.
soil consistency; sugarcane management; cohesive soils
