Soil quality under tillage and no-tillage cropping systems

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of an Oxisol under tillage and no-tillage systems. Two experimental areas were studied, both located in Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, DF, Brazil, with eight and ten years of cropping. Soil samples were collected from different depth layers in the experimental plots and native cerrado vegetation area. The following soil atributes were evaluated: bulk density, soil porosity, available water capacity, degree of flocculation, soil resistance to penetration, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, equilibrium phosphorus, microbial biomass carbon and basal respiration. The data obtained were compared with referential values related to soil quality. The soil quality under both systems is similar, considering the soil physical attributes. The values for organic matter and equilibrium phosphorus are also similar, but the cation exchange capacity is higher for soil under no-tillage. Concerning the biological attributes, the soil under no-tillage presents higher biological activity. The soil quality is similar, under both cropping systems.