The replacement of native forests for agrosystems causes changes in soil structure. The degree of these changes depends on the intensity of use and soil management, climatic conditions and soil physical and chemical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the soil bulk density (Bd), soil resistance to penetration and organic matter content of an Ortic Quartzarenic Neosol under four land use systems: native forest, agroforestry, pasture and other area recently converted to agricultural use. In each system seven soil profiles were selected and samples were collected in July 2010 and January 2011. The soil resistance to penetration was determined in 0-40 cm depth using an impact penetrometer, Planasucar Stolf IAA model. The water content in the soil layers was determined in 0-20 and 20-40 cm depth. The organic matter and soil bulk density were deternied in layers 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm. Among the evaluated systems, the lowest values of soil bulk density and soil resistance to penetration were found in agroforestry and the highest values were obtained in the pasture. In the area recently converted to agricultural use the results obtained were similar to those obtained under native forest.
soil conservation; soil compaction; soil quality indicators
