African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6860

Full Length Research Paper

Microbiological features of dystroferric and dystrophic red oxisols under sugar cane crops subject to different management procedures

Georgia Ribeiro Silveira de Sant’Ana
  • Georgia Ribeiro Silveira de Sant’Ana
  • Faculdade de Tecnologia SENAI Roberto Mange, Brazil
  • Google Scholar
Carlos Eduardo Ramos de Sant’Ana
  • Carlos Eduardo Ramos de Sant’Ana
  • Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
  • Google Scholar
Carlos de Melo e Silva Neto
  • Carlos de Melo e Silva Neto
  • Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
  • Google Scholar
Bruno Bastos Gonçalves
  • Bruno Bastos Gonçalves
  • Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Brazil
  • Google Scholar
Letícia Ribeiro de Sant’ Ana
  • Letícia Ribeiro de Sant’ Ana
  • Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
  • Google Scholar
Marina Morais Monteiro
  • Marina Morais Monteiro
  • Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
  • Google Scholar
Anna Clara Chaves Ribeiro
  • Anna Clara Chaves Ribeiro
  • Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
  • Google Scholar
Rosana Alves Gonçalves
  • Rosana Alves Gonçalves
  • Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
  • Google Scholar
Selma Simões de Castro
  • Selma Simões de Castro
  • Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 10 June 2015
  •  Accepted: 20 November 2015
  •  Published: 17 March 2016

Abstract

The Quirinopolis microregion (QMR) is located in the Southwestern Goiás State, and represents the recent expansions of sugar cane crops in the state. The maintenance of the agricultural and forest ecosystem productivity depends largely on the organic matter transformation process and therefore on the microbial biomass. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of the different management methods used in sugar cane cultivation on soil microbiological parameters and on indices derived from dystroferric (DfRO) and dystrophic (DRO) red oxisols in the region of Quirinopolis, Goiás. Eight sampling sites were selected in this study within areas occupied by DfRO and DRO, and two reference sites with semidecidual forest vegetation. The microbial biomass of the soil planted with sugar cane responded to changes caused by the two different soil management types (fertilized and not fertilized), so it may be considered a potential soil quality bioindicator. The soil profiles subject to crop succession before planting sugar cane favored the maintenance of the soil microorganism community in regards to other managements. DfRO profiles previously planted with soybean showed the best physical and chemical condition for a dynamic biomass balance. Profiles with vinasse showed no improvement in the development of soil microorganisms nor better physical and chemical conditions.

 

Key words: Soil quality, bioindicators, organic C, fertilization, soybean crop, vinasse.