IMPACTS OF NATIVE FOREST CONVERSION ON SOIL ERODIBILITY IN AREAS OF AMAZONIC SPECIES CULTIVATION

Abstract

In Brazil, there are still relatively few studies involving soil erodibility, especially in areas that have undergone native forest conversion processes in agricultural areas. The objective of the present work was evaluate the impacts of native forest conversion on soil erodibility under conversion of native forest in areas of cultivation with guarana, annatto and cupuaçu in Amazonas state. Meshes were established according to the size of the crop, followed by sampling at the crossing points, at a depth of 0.00-0.20 m, with 80 sample points in each area. At each sampling point, were collected sample with a structure preserved for determination of soil texture and organic carbon, for a total of 320 samples in the four evaluated areas. The estimation of erodibility stands out as an important tool in the adoption of soil management and conservation practices, anticipating possible impacts before a crop is implanted. The areas cultivated with guarana and annatto presented greater predisposition of the soil to rill erosion and interrill. The areas of cupuaçu and forest presented high silt values, that may enhance/contribute to erodibility. In contrast, they showed high values of critical shear strength, which indicates resistance.