Efeitos da aplicação de vinhaça nas propriedades físicas, química e população de nematóides do solo coberto com palhiço de cana-de-açúcar, sob manejo mecanizado.

Abstract

The increasing on ethanol demand and production intensify environment concerns mainly due to production residue problems. Despite of environmental concerns, areas under vinasse application have been associated to favorable physical conditions for root development, aeration, infiltration and water movement in soil profile. This study had as objective to evaluate the effect of vinasse application on chemical and physical properties of soil under sugarcane mulch, as well shifts on nematode density, and spatial dependence of variables, in two sugarcane growing areas under mechanized management in Paraiba state, Brazil. Samplings were carried out in a 10×10-m mesh with 36 points per area, before and 40 days after vinasse application. Data were submitted to multivariate analysis to repeated-measures, correlation analysis and geostatistics. Vinasse application decreased nematode density. Nematodes were sensible to change in soil attributes, responding as a good indicator of soil microbial activity in an indirect way. Reach (a) values for calcium, potassium, sodium and nematodes indicated soil sampling must be carried out from 10 m intervals. Sugarcane mulch was not enough to maintain adequate soil humidity after 40 days, but it contributed for higher levels of C-CO2 evolution. When present, spatial dependence varied from moderate to low degree.