Physical and chemical parameters of an ultisols cultivated with pasture in different degradation stages

Soil degradation is an important global issue because of its adverse impact on agronomic productivity, the environment, and its effect on food security and the quality of life. Productivity impacts of soil degradation are due to a decline in soil quality on site where degradation occurs (e.g. erosion) and off site where sediments are deposited. The present study aimed to identify possible signs of soil degradation in a rural property in a region of the State of São Paulo in Brazil. Deformed and undisturbed soil samples were collected in the 0.00-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m layers in order to evaluate the physical parameters: macroporosity, microporosity, density, resistance to penetration and infiltration of soil and chemicals: organic matter, phosphorus, pH and base saturation. The results showed that the area under cultivated pasture presented the best parameters, indicating that the incorrect soil management results in soil degradation. The main indicators of soil quality were macroporosity and soil water infiltration. For the chemical attributes, the characterization did not detect changes in the studied areas. The relationship between soil physical and chemical properties was positive.