How does organic carbon operate in the pore distribution of fine-textured soils?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soil quality is important for providing adequate conduction for the production of food, fiber, and energy without significant alterations in the environment. Fragile soil indexes have been presented as soil quality indicators (i.e., soil porosity and carbon stocks) due to the easy modification by soil management and crop cultivation systems. The objective of this study was to determine and discuss how carbon operates in the distribution of macro- and micropores in fine-textured soils in tropical conditions using sugarcane and coffee production. The experiments were conducted in the region of Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using sugarcane cultivation (Saccharum officinarum) and coffee (Coffea sp.) in the conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado. It was verified that the distribution of micropores in fine-textured soils was higher than macropores due to the natural increment of clay in the soil. Organic carbon produced organic pores that positively impacted microporosity.