The use of large areas occupied only with winter soil cover crops for cattle grazing may become an alternative income source for summer grain producers in southern Brazil. The presence of cattle in areas used only with no tillage crops may, however, affect soil attributes, depending on the management type. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of surface liming on the chemical attributes of a Red Latosol (Oxisol) under no-tillage and crop-livestock integration. Treatments consisted of pasture management at different heights (10, 20, 30 and 40 cm), in addition to areas without grazing, during the winter. In December 2001, the soil (layers of 0-25, 2.5-5, 5-7,5, 7,5-10, 10-12,5, 12,5-15, 15-17,5, 17,5-20 and 20-25 cm) was evaluated for chemical properties after the first grazing cycle. Thereafter, 4.5 Mg ha-1 limestone (62 % effective neutralization value) was broadcast and left on soil surface and soybean grown in succession to grazing. Soil samples were colleted at the end of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth soybean growing seasons, corresponding to 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after liming. The following variables were evaluated: pH-H2O, SMP, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Al, and total organic carbon (TOC). The surface lime application was effective in correcting the acidity to a depth of 25 cm, depending on the attribute and variable over time. The presence of cattle grazing in the area increased the depth effect of liming. The input of different residues to the soil did not affect the TOC levels.
grazing pressure; liming; integrated grain production
