Physical and chemical attributes of an Oxisoil cultivated with cowpea bean under different irrigation systems

Abstract

Agricultural land use in irrigated areas, using management techniques of low sustainability, can promote changes in the physical and chemical soil properties, with negative effects on crop productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the chemical and physical properties of an Oxsoil cultivated with cowpea bean [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp], under two irrigation systems, at Gurgueia Irrigated Perimeter, municipality of Alvorada do Gurguéia, Piauí State - Brazil. Treatments consisted of two irrigation systems (an area with a history of central pivot irrigation and the other with sprinkler irrigation), an additional area with native vegetation, for comparison purposes, and four depths. Irrigated areas showed changes in the soil fertility conditions in relation to the native forest area, with increased values of bases sum, effective and potential cations exchange capacity and saturation per bases. Differences in the soil physical conditions were observed in both irrigated areas in comparison to the native forest, and were more accentuated in the area irrigated by center pivot.