Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (2018) Vol. 6(1):15–25 15
Research Paper
Soil attributes of a silvopastoral system in Pernambuco Forest Zone
Atributos del suelo en un sistema silvopastoril en la “Zona da Mata”,
Pernambuco, Brasil
HUGO N.B. LIMA1, JOSÉ C.B. DUBEUX JR.2, MÉRCIA V.F. SANTOS1, ALEXANDRE C.L. MELLO1, MÁRIO
A. LIRA2,3 AND MÁRCIO V. CUNHA1
1 Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil. www.ufrpe.br
2 University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna, FL, USA. nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu
3 Instituto Agrônomico de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil. www.ipa.br
Abstract
This research evaluated soil properties in a silvopastoral system using double rows of tree legumes. Treatments were signalgrass ( Brachiaria decumbens) in monoculture or in consortium with sabiá ( Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) or gliricidia ( Gliricidia sepium). Treatments were arranged in a complete randomized block design, with 4 replications. Response variables included chemical characteristics and physical attributes of the soil. Silvopastoral systems had greater (P<0.001) soil exchangeable Ca (gliricidia = 3.2 and sabiá = 3.0 mmolc/dm3) than signalgrass monoculture (2.0
mmolc/dm3). Water infiltration rate was greater within the tree legume double rows (366 mm/h) than in signalgrass (162
mm/h) (P = 0.02). However, soil moisture was greater in signalgrass pastures (15.9%) (P = 0.0020) than in silvopastures (14.9 and 14.8%), where soil moisture levels increased as distance from the tree rows increased. Conversely, the light fraction of soil organic matter was greater within the tree legume double rows than in the grassed area (P = 0.0019).
Long-term studies are needed to determine if these benefits accumulate further and the productivity benefits which result.
Keywords : Fertility, legumes, soil physics, trees.
Resumen
Entre enero 2012 y diciembre 2013 en Itambé, Pernambuco, Brasil, se evaluaron algunas propiedades físicas y químicas del suelo en un sistema silvopastoril, utilizando filas dobles de leguminosas arbóreas. Los tratamientos consistieron en Brachiaria decumbens sola o en asociación con sabiá ( Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) o gliricidia ( Gliricidia sepium) en un diseño de bloques completos al azar, con 4 repeticiones. Los sistemas silvopastoriles presentaron mayor contenido (P<0.001) de calcio intercambiable (gliricidia = 3.2 y sabiá = 3.0 mmolc/dm3) comparados con la gramínea sola (2.0
mmolc/dm3). La tasa de infiltración de agua fue mayor en el suelo dentro de las filas dobles de los árboles leguminosos (366 mm/h) en comparación con la gramínea sola (162 mm/h) (P = 0.02). No obstante, la humedad fue más alta en el suelo con gramínea (15.9%) (P = 0.0020) comparada con los sistemas silvopastoriles (14.9 y 14.8%, respectivamente para sabiá y gliricidia). La humedad en el suelo aumentó con la distancia a partir de la línea de árboles. Por el contrario, la fracción ligera de la materia orgánica del suelo fue mayor (P = 0.0019) dentro de las filas dobles de árboles (0.071
mg/kg) comparada con el suelo fuera de la línea de árboles. Se requieren estudios a largo plazo para determinar si estos beneficios continuan acumulándose y si resultan en mayor productividad.
Palabras clave: Árboles, fertilidad, física del suelo, leguminosas.
___________
Correspondence: J.C. Batista Dubeux Jr., University of Florida, North
Florida Research and Education Center, 3925 Highway 71, Marianna,
FL 32446, USA.
Email: dubeux@ufl.edu
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (ISSN: 2346-3775)
16 H.N.B. Lima, J.C.B. Dubeux Jr., M.V.F. Santos, A.C.L. Mello, M.A. Lira and M.V. Cunha Introduction
Given the economic and environmental importance of
these systems, this study aimed to evaluate the chemical
Good soil physical characteristics are essential to ensure
composition and physical properties of soils in
satisfactory crop and pasture productivity. Pasture soils tend
signalgrass pastures [ Brachiaria decumbens Stapf; now:
to have greater soil density than preserved vegetation soil,
Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D. Webster], in associa-
presumably due to trampling by animals (Vitorino 1986),
tion with tree legumes in the coastal region (“Zona da
which can also have an impact on the water infiltration rate
Mata”) of Pernambuco State, Brazil.
and soil moisture holding capacity, both of which have
significant effects on pasture productivity. The amount of
Materials and Methods
water that infiltrates and flows over the ground is directly
related to soil physical properties such as density, and the
The research was conducted at the Experimental Station
existing vegetative cover (Lanzanova et al. 2007).
of the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco (IPA), located
Soil organic matter (SOM) has a major influence on
in Itambé, Pernambuco, Brazil. Average annual rainfall is
ecosystem productivity because it affects chemical and
1,300 mm, and average annual temperature is 25 °C
physical characteristics of soils. Since SOM is the net
(CPRH 2003). The climate is sub-humid, the topography
result of soil processes occurring in the long term, it is
is undulating and the soil of the study area is classified as
difficult to detect early changes if analyzing total SOM
Ultisol (red-yellow dystrophic Argissol according to the
(Haggerty and Gorelick 1998). The light fraction of the
Brazilian Soil Classification or Paleudult or Ferric
SOM is formed by plant and animal residues in the early
Luvisol according to FAO World Reference Base)
stages of decomposition. It represents recent changes in
(Jacomine et al. 1972; Embrapa 2006). Initial soil
chemical characteristics of the experimental area were:
land management and can detect early changes in SOM
pH in water (1:2.5) 5.5; P (Mehlich-I) 2.2 mg/dm3; K 1.3
dynamics (Jinbo et al. 2007; Rangel and Silva 2007).
mmolc/dm3; Ca 27 mmolc/dm3; Mg 20 mmolc/dm3; Na
Increases in ecosystem primary productivity lead to
1.4 mmolc/dm3; Al 2.7 mmolc/dm3; H+Al 61.7 mmolc/
increasing residue deposition, both above- and below-
dm3; and SOM 44.2 g/kg. Average monthly rainfall for
ground.
the experimental years is shown in Figure 1.
Silvopastoral systems improve soil physical attributes
Three treatments were tested in a complete
such as soil aggregates, soil density and water infiltration
randomized block design with 4 replications. Treatments
rates (Carvalho et al. 2004). Litter deposition from tree
included: 1) sabiá with signalgrass; 2) gliricidia with
foliage is a major pathway for recycling of nutrients in a
signalgrass; and 3) signalgrass monoculture. Each
silvopastoral system (Apolinário et al. 2016). Limited
experimental unit measured 660 m2 (33 x 20 m). Tree
nitrogen (N) availability in warm-climate grasslands is
legumes (sabiá and gliricidia) were established in 2008 in
one of the major limiting factors to increases in
double rows spaced at 10.0 m (between double rows) x
productivity (Vendramini et al. 2014), and N addition via
1.0 m (between rows) x 0.5 m (within rows). Each plot
litter represents a significant input and might result in
contained 3 double rows. The signalgrass was growing
greater ecosystem primary productivity. Tree legumes
throughout the area of each plot, but reduced growth
such as sabiá ( Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) and
occurred between the individual tree legume rows that
gliricidia [ Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth] can be used in
formed the double rows (“within tree legume double
silvopastoral systems (Souza and Espíndola 2000; Vieira
rows” from here on), especially under sabiá trees.
et al. 2005; Apolinário et al. 2016; Costa et al. 2016).
Livestock were introduced to the paddocks when the
Besides biological N2 fixation, litter deposition and
sward height reached 60 cm, and remained until the
decomposition are important sources of nutrients to be
stubble height of the grass was reduced to 10‒15 cm.
reused by the system (Apolinário et al. 2016).
Soils from tree legume paddocks were sampled in
Tree legumes can provide extra alternative income
September 2012 in order to determine the chemical
through the sale of fencing posts and firewood
composition. Samples were collected in 2 transect lines
(Apolinário et al. 2015). Incorporating tree legumes in
perpendicular to the tree rows. Along each transect, 5
silvopastoral systems can also provide other ecosystem
different points were sampled (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 m distance
services including the maintenance of biodiversity,
from each tree double row) giving 30 samples per plot
improvement of water and nutrient flow, enhancement of
(Figure 2). Paddocks with signalgrass monoculture were
soil quality, reduction of soil erosion, improvement of C
sampled randomly at 5 sites. All soil samples were taken
storage and provision of green areas for urban society
from the 0‒20 cm soil layer. Soil samples to determine
bulk density and soil gravimetric moisture were collected
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (ISSN: 2346-3775)
Soils in a silvopastoral system 17
300
250
200
150
mm
100
50
0
Month / Year
Figure 1. Rainfall (monthly averages) in the experimental area during the research period. Source: Meteorological data collected at the experimental site.
in May 2013, using the same sampling protocol (per-
were macerated and sieved through a 0.5 mm sieve, and
pendicular transects) described to collect the soil fertility
then put into a 0.053 mm sieve and washed in running
samples, and the same soil depth. Undisturbed soil cores
water. The retained material was then transferred to
were collected using volumetric rings. Samples were
containers filled with water, where it remained undisturbed
dried in an oven at 105 °C for 24 hours, following
for 24 h for density separation (heavy and light fraction).
methodology described by Embrapa (1979).
The supernatant (floating) material was retrieved in 0.053
Light fraction of SOM was determined by weighing
mm mesh, dried at 65 °C for 72 h, and weighed on a
50 g of soil (samples collected for fertility analyses), which
precision scale (Correia et al. 2015).
Figure 2. Location of soil sampling points relative to tree legume rows in the silvopasture treatments.
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (ISSN: 2346-3775)
18 H.N.B. Lima, J.C.B. Dubeux Jr., M.V.F. Santos, A.C.L. Mello, M.A. Lira and M.V. Cunha Water infiltration rate (WIR) was determined in
and soil exchangeable Na was greater in the signalgrass-
January 2013. Infiltrometers made of concentric rings
sabiá pasture than in the other pastures (Table 1). When
(Bouwer 1986) were placed at 2 specific points in each
com-paring the sampling points in relation to the distance
tree legume paddock: 1) within tree legume double rows
from the rows of legumes, there was no significant effect
(sampling point 1); 2) in the middle of the grassed area
for the response variables evaluated, except for pH (Figure
(sampling point 5). A total of 48 samples were collected
3), where values increased exponentially as distance from
(2 replicates for each sample location within each
the legume rows increased, with a peak at 3 m.
silvopastoral system, and 4 samples for each signal-grass
plot). Water infiltration rate was determined when the rate
Water infiltration rate
was constant, using the following equation:
Water infiltration rate was higher within the tree legume
WIR (mm/min) = L2 - L1 (mm) / time (min)
double rows of gliricidia and sabiá (356 and 366 mm/h,
where: L2 is water at the beginning of the measurement
respectively; Figure 4) than in the signalgrass mono-
and L1 is the remaining water in the tube after the time
culture (162 mm/h) and in the grassed area of the signal-
spent measuring.
grass-sabiá (128 mm/h) treatment.
Soil attributes were analyzed using PROC MIXED
(SAS 2007). A complete randomized block design was
Gravimetric moisture
used to compare signalgrass monoculture with the
silvopastoral systems. When transects were analyzed, the
Soil moisture (Table 2) levels were higher (P<0.05) in the
transect points were considered split-plot and the main
signalgrass monoculture than in the mixed pastures; in the
plot the vegetation cover, with both being fixed effects. In
mixed pastures soil moisture increased as distance from
all analyses, blocks were considered a random effect.
the tree rows increased (P<0.05; Table 3).
Significance was declared at 5% probability. LSMEANS
Soil density was not affected by type of pasture
were compared using the PDIFF procedure and adjusted
(P = 0.58) (Table 2), but in the mixed pastures soil density
Tukey test.
increased as distance from the tree rows increased
(P<0.05; Table 3).
Results
Light fraction of soil organic matter
Soil fertility
Light fraction of SOM was unaffected by pasture type
While soil chemical composition was affected by
(P = 0.22), but within the silvopastoral treatments, light
vegetation cover (Table 1), levels of most nutrients were
fraction of SOM was greater in the sabiá treatment than
similar in all treatments (P>0.05). Soil pH was greater in
under gliricidia (64 vs.45 mg/kg, respectively; P = 0.002)
the signalgrass monoculture than in the 2 grass-legume
(Table 4). The light fraction of SOM was greater under
tree pastures. Soil exchangeable Ca was greater in the
the trees than in the grass area (71 vs. 50 mg/kg,
grass-legume tree pastures than in the grass-only pasture,
respectively; Table 3).
Table 1. Soil chemical analyses (0‒20 cm layer) in signalgrass, signalgrass-gliricidia and signalgrass-sabiá pastures.
Treatment
pH
P
K
Mg
Ca
Na
Al
H + Al
C
OM
(water – 1:2.5)
(mg/dm³)
(mmolc/dm³)
(g/kg)
Signalgrass
5.8 a
1.6 a
1.4 a
2.0 a
2.0 b
0.1 b
0.3 a
5.6 a
22.0 a
48.5 a
Gliricidia
5.4 b
2.5 a
1.7 a
2.0 a
3.2 a
0.1 b
0.3 a
6.5 a
29.3 a
43.4 a
Sabiá
5.4 b
2.5 a
1.7 a
1.9 a
3.0 a
0.3 a
0.3 a
6.4 a
23.6 a
40.7 a
Probability
0.02
0.26
0.17
0.87
0.001
0.02
0.91
0.15
0.23
0.71
CV (%)
3
38
85
14
12
67
51
10
23
30
Values followed by the same letter within columns do not differ by Duncan’s test (P>0.05). OM = organic matter.
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (ISSN: 2346-3775)
Soils in a silvopastoral system 19
5.5
Table 2. Soil moisture and density (0‒20 cm layer) in signal-
) 5.45
grass monoculture, signalgrass-gliricidia and signalgrass-sabiá
5.:2 5.4
pastures.
1
y = -0.0264x2 + 0.1667x + 5.2071
r 5.35
tea 5.3
Treatment
Moisture (%)
Density (g/cm3)
(w 5.25
Signalgrass
15.9 a
1.21 a
Hp 5.2
Gliricidia
14.9 b
1.22 a
5.15
Sabiá
14.8 b
1.19 a
0
1
2
3
4
Probability
0.002
0.74
Distance (m) from tree legume rows
CV (%)
3.19
4.7
Figure 3. Soil pH relative to the distance from tree legume rows
Values followed by the same letter within columns do not differ
in signalgrass-gliricidia and signalgrass-sabiá pastures.
by Duncan’s test (P<0.05).
Grassed area in signalgrass-sabiá pasture (sampling point 5)
Signalgrass monoculture
Grassed area in signalgrass-gliricidia pasture (sampling point 5)
WIR (mm/h)
Within gliricidia double rows (sampling point 1)
Within sabiá double rows (sampling point 1)
0
100
200
300
400
500
Figure 4. Water infiltration rate (mm/h) in signalgrass monoculture and grassed areas in signalgrass-gliricidia and signalgrass-sabiá pastures, and within gliricidia and sabiá double rows in the mixed pastures. The bars represent the standard error.
Table 3. Effect of distance from tree legume rows on soil moisture, soil density and soil organic matter (SOM) light fraction (0‒20
cm layer) in signalgrass-gliricidia and signalgrass-sabiá pastures.
Distance (m) from tree rows
Soil moisture (%)
Soil density (g/cm3)
SOM light fraction (g/kg)
0
14.5 b
1.18 b
0.071 a
1
14.1 b
1.19 b
0.051 b
2
15.2 ab
1.19 b
0.056 b
3
14.8 ab
1.22 ab
0.052 b
4
15.5 a
1.24 a
0.042 b
Probability
0.04
0.07
0.02
CV (%)
9.6
4.0
32.5
Values followed by the same letter within columns do not differ by Duncan’s test (P>0.05).
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (ISSN: 2346-3775)
20 H.N.B. Lima, J.C.B. Dubeux Jr., M.V.F. Santos, A.C.L. Mello, M.A. Lira and M.V. Cunha Table 4. Soil organic matter (SOM) light fraction (0‒20 cm
development of the trees, increase in litter deposition and
layer) in signalgrass-gliricidia and signalgrass-sabiá pastures.
accumulation of animal waste, provided that the system is
appropriately managed (Balbino et al. 2012; Padovan and
Treatment
SOM light fraction (g/kg)
Pereira 2012; Loss et al. 2014).
Gliricidia
0.045 b
Sabiá
0.064 a
Water infiltration rate
Probability
0.002
CV (%)
32.4
Greater WIR in the signalgrass area in consortium with
Values followed by the same letter within columns do not differ
by Duncan’s test (P>0.05).
gliricidia might be due to the fact that this legume has a
deeper root system, providing advantages such as
increased water absorption and greater efficiency in the
Discussion
search for nutrients, resulting in its high performance as
fodder for livestock (Abdulrazak et al. 1997; Ondiek et al.
This study has provided some interesting results on
1999; Juma et al. 2006). A more specific study of the root changes in soil parameters when tree legumes are
systems of gliricidia and sabiá is necessary to better
introduced into a pure grass pasture. They contribute to
understand the influence of root properties (length, depth
our knowledge of how the legumes alter the soils in
and density) on WIR.
conjunction with an associated grass.
Silvopastoral systems allow increases in SOM because
of greater litter deposition from trees, and Bell et al.
Soil fertility
(2011) indicated that greater litter deposition increases
soil macroporosity, contributing to improved water
As in our study, Carvalho et al. (2003) reported increased
infiltration and aeration. Moisture, biological activity and
soil exchangeable Ca in silvopastoral systems 5 years after
vegetation cover can also influence soil responses, such
establishment, and attributed this increase to the greater
as the WIR (Carduro and Dorfman 1988). Dunger et al.
accumulation of litter produced by the trees. Similarly,
(2005) reported that silvopastoral systems provide a
Camarão et al. (1990) suggested that the increase in soil
favorable microclimate to increase soil microfauna,
exchangeable Ca in silvopastoral systems might be
which tend to seek shaded and humid habitats. An
explained by the increased above- and below-ground litter
increase of Coleoptera beetles in association with the
deposition. Xavier et al. (2003) also observed an increase
introduction of legumes from the genus Mimosa in
in soil exchangeable Ca in signalgrass- Acacia mangium
pastures has been reported by Dias et al. (2007). These
pasture compared with pure signalgrass.
beetles dig underground galleries in order to nest, thus
The reduction in soil pH in the mixed pastures recorded
providing the opportunity for greater water infiltration
in our study is in contrast with the findings of Oliveira et
al. (2000), Andrade et al. (2002), Xavier et al. (2003) and Increased height and density of tree legumes in the
Dias et al. (2006), where soil pH was not affected by the
experimental area reduced the transit of grazing cattle
introduction of trees. Dias et al. (2006) also studied soil
through the rows, which might explain the lower soil
chemical composition of grass-tree legume pastures in
density at these points (Table 3). The WIR was greater
relation to the distance from the tree trunk and found
along tree legume rows as compared with the grazed area
variations in soil pH and levels of P, K, Ca and Mg tending
under the effects of treading by animals, as indicated with
to increase or decrease, depending on the legume species,
changes in soil density. These data corroborate those of
planting density and biomass production.
Lanzanova et al. (2007), who studied the effects of
In silvopastoral systems, most litter deposition occurs
grazing on water infiltration rates in soils, finding greater
near the tree trunks (Silva et al. 2013), which might
WIR values in ungrazed areas and decreasing values as
influence the reduction of soil pH. Greater litter
grazing became more intense. In our research, the
accumulation leads to greater amounts of litter nutrients
increases in soil density as distance from tree legumes
being mineralized. As a result, more leaching of ex-
increased (Table 3) was reflected in decreases in WIR.
changeable bases due to release of anions from OM might
Bertol et al. (2001) showed that heavy clay soils have a
occur (Balbinot et al. 2010). However, Pavan et al. (1986)
low percentage of the pore volume occupied by air, which
obtained an increase in soil pH in an area with greater
leads to greater rates of runoff water, lower retention of
litter deposition. Several studies on silvopastoral systems
water and consequently lower infiltration capacity.
indicated that the benefits brought by the trees to soil
Prevedello (1996) also pointed out that the reduction in
fertility of the pastures tend to increase over time with
WIR with time can be influenced by factors that operate
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (ISSN: 2346-3775)
Soils in a silvopastoral system 21
on the soil surface, such as surface sealing due to the
agrosilvopasture (combination of trees, crops and
impact of raindrops, which may be reduced by the canopy
livestock, grown on a particular site) and intensive
of tree legumes. Roots of tree legumes in the silvopastoral
cultivation. Perin et al. (2000) also observed greater soil
systems used in this experiment might favor soil physical
moisture when soil was covered with a thick litter layer of
aspects, maintaining and improving soil structure and
herbaceous legumes.
increasing WIR (Hernández 1998).
The increase in soil moisture as distance from the tree
Excretion of organic acids and inorganic compounds
legume rows increased meant that grasses growing in the
(e.g. P and K) by roots can influence soil characteristics,
middle of the grass strips suffered reduced competition
as they allow for increased dissolution of mineral
for soil moisture from the trees, while still having some
substances and contribute to the development of
shade to assist retention of soil moisture (Table 3). Near
rhizosphere microorganisms (Cintra et al. 1999). Roots
tree rows, there was reduced soil cover because of greater
can also favor SOM accumulation, as Lehmann and Zech
competition for resources between herbaceous and woody
(1998) found that the litter produced by the renewal of
vegetation.
roots adds about 20‒50% of the total root biomass to the
SOM pool, while only 10‒20% of litter arising from the
Soil density
aerial parts is transformed into SOM (Schroth et al. 1999).
Since roots are more recalcitrant than leaves and stems, a
Average soil density was 1.2 g/cm3, which is adequate for
greater proportion of original root biomass ends up in the
root development (Alvarenga et al. 1996; Corsini and
SOM pool than leaves and stems.
Ferraudo 1999). According to Argenton et al. (2005),
characterization of soil density depends on its textural
Gravimetric moisture
class and Rosenberg (1964) and Cintra and Mielniczuk
(1983) suggest that each soil type has a critical density,
The greater soil moisture in signalgrass monoculture was
which can reduce or even prevent root development.
probably due to the competition by different species for
Reichert et al. (2003) showed that 1.4 g/cm3 is considered
water. Legumes are less efficient in water usage than C4
the critical soil density for satisfactory growth of the root
grasses. On average, legumes use 800 kg of water to
system of plants in clay soils, but Reinert et al. (2008)
produce 1 kg of dry matter, while C4 plants use 300 kg of
indicated a greater soil density (1.85 g/cm3) as critical for
water to produce the same amount of DM (Taiz and
legumes and other vegetables in clayey soils.
Zeiger 2004; Marenco and Lopes 2009). Plant species
The lower soil density near the trees (Table 3) can be
have a marked influence on water availability in
attributed to the existence of microfauna near the trees
silvopastoral systems and Vanzela and Santos (2013)
(Miranda et al. 1998; Dunger et al. 2005; Dias et al. 2007)
highlighted that the use of eucalypts in silvopastoral
as well as a greater SOM accumulation between trees,
systems increased competition for water and nutrients
increasing the amount of soil aggregates. Iori et al. (2012)
between the trees and the associated grass.
studied soil density and soil moisture in degraded
Andrade and Valentim (1999) showed that shading is
pastures, banana cultivation, a silvopastoral system and
a positive factor in maintaining soil moisture, resulting in
preserved forest. They found greater soil moisture in less
satisfactory forage development in silvopastoral systems.
dense soil, which can be correlated with the shading
In natural shading conditions, however, trees also
potential and greater SOM in these areas. Beltrame et al.
compete with one another and the grass for light, water
(1981) stated that soil moisture affects the cohesion
and nutrients. Therefore, the water requirements of the
between soil particles, with increases in aggregation when
tree legumes might have contributed to reduced soil
soil moisture is limited, which hinders their separation by
moisture near the trees in the current research.
external forces (Silveira et al. 2010).
Another aspect that should be highlighted is the fact
that, during the collection period, the grass monoculture
Light fraction of soil organic matter
was approximately 60 cm tall, which provided 100%
ground cover, helping to maintain soil moisture. In the
While vegetation cover did not affect the light fraction of
silvopastoral systems, tall trees with dense canopies might
SOM (P = 0.22), in the mixed pastures sabiá presented
have compromised production of signalgrass, which has
greater values of SOM than gliricidia (Table 4). Chan et
only moderate shade tolerance and might suffer
al. (2002) and Zinn et al. (2005) observed that SOM
production loss due to shading (Schreiner 1987). In
stocks are directly related to residue inputs, their rate of
contrast to this, Aguiar et al. (2006) recorded greater soil
decomposition and SOM fractionation. They pointed out
moisture in silvopastoral systems compared with
that the replacement of conventional farming systems
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (ISSN: 2346-3775)
22 H.N.B. Lima, J.C.B. Dubeux Jr., M.V.F. Santos, A.C.L. Mello, M.A. Lira and M.V. Cunha with improved systems, such as silvopastures, changes
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Alvarenga RC; Costa LM; Moura Filho W; Regazzi AJ. 1996.
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Comportamento de atributos relacionados com a forma da
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sustentável por meio da integração lavoura-pecuária-
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