A mini review on changes in soil attributes by management practices in organic vegetable production in southeast Brazil

Abstract

and geometric mean diameter(GMD) of aggregates, pH, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, potassium, potential acidity, phosphorus, total organic carbon, fractions of organic matter (particulate organic carbon and organic carbon associated with minerals), fractions of humic substances, carbon stock in the soil and carbon management index. It was observed that in the area with no-tillage (corn intercropped with eggplant) higher values of WMD, GMD, humic acid, particulate organic carbon and better carbon management index was found. In the area with conventional tillage, lower values of these attributes were observed compared to no-tillage. The authors also pointed out that the area with direct planting of eggplant showed greater sustainability than the others, based on the best carbon management index. In fig production, higher values of total organic carbon, humine fraction, carbon stock, organic carbon associated with minerals, nitrogen and better fertility levels were observed. Abstract The offer of healthier foods, the search for agricultural and economic sustainability and the appreciation of the role of farmers are the notorious foundations of organic agriculture in society. These principles are reflected in the insertion of specific agricultural practices adopted in the soil, which are based on the maintenance of soil fertility and long-term biological activity. Therefore, management practices that favor and contemplate these principles are of great interest to researchers and organic farmers. From this, the objective of this review was to understand the main effects of different management practices on organic vegetable production. Preliminary studies show that there is a great incentive for the establishment of this management system in organic production.