Atributos do solo e decomposição de fezes bovinas em sistemas silvipastoris

Abstract

Characteristics of soil and the decomposition of the feces are factors that influence markedly on the production system. The intercropping of forage species improves physical aspects of soil and nutrient cycling in the system. This research evaluated the effects of introducing a silvopastoral system in pastures of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. on soil physical and chemical properties and nutrient cycling deriving from the decomposition and release of nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na in the feces of cattle collected at different times. The treatments were Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. solely or in consortium with Sabia (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) and Gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp Kunthex.]. The experimental unit measured 660 m2 (33 x 20 m), and shrubby legumes were established in 2008, planted in double rows, and spaced 10.0 x 1.0 x 0.5 m. Soil samples were collected in two lines of each transect at five different points (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 m from the tree line) at 0 - 20 cm soil depth. In soil samples, the following responses were determined: pH in water, Mehlich I P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, H + Al, carbon and organic matter (OM). Soil physical attributes determined included soil moisture, soil density, water infiltration rate, and light fraction of SOM. The experimental design was a split-plot in a randomized block design. Soil fertility showed a greater concentration of Ca in intercropped areas (p = 0.001) and greater Na concentration in consortium with Sabia, showing no differences for the other nutrients. The rate of water infiltration (VIB) was greater within legume rows (366 mm / h) (p = 0.02). Soil density did not differ among treatments (p = 0.74), but lower soil density was observed near the tree rows. Soil moisture was greater in areas of exclusive Braquiaria (15.9%) (p = 0.0020), while along the transects, greater soil moisture was observed in the points away from the tree rows. The light fraction of SOM did not differ among treatments (p = 0.2216), but it was greater within the tree rows (p = 0.0019) (0.071 mg kg-1) compared to samples collected away from the tree line (0.051 mg kg-1, 0.056 mg kg-1, 0.052 mg kg-1, 0.042 mg kg-1). The decomposition of cattle dung trial was performed in another experimental area. Experimental units measured 1 ha, making a total area of 9 hectares, and legumes were planted in double rows spaced at 15.0 x 1.0 x 0.5 m. Cattle feces were collected at two different times, during the dry and rainy seasons. The excreta were incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 days. Greater dung decomposition was observed for the feces from cattle grazing Brachiaria (k = 0.00284 g g-1 day 1), followed by Sabia (k = 0.00233 g-1 day-1) and Gliricidia (k = 0.00200 g-1 day-1). The rate of release of nutrients showed a time effect for all variables and interaction between time and season for Ca (p = 0.0042) and Mg (p = 0.0013) and interaction between treatment and season to N (p = 0.0096), Mg (p = 0.0006) and Ca (p < 0.0001). The results of this study showed that silvopasture improved soil physical properties, but more prolonged evaluation is required to determine the effect of silvopasture on soil chemical composition. Feces decomposition showed the importance of excreta as a pathway of nutrient return and cycling.