Spatial Variability in Stability of Aggregates and Organic Matter of an Oxisol

Soil preparation may break its structure, destabilize the aggregates, and cause the loss of organic matter (OM). The study of spatial variability of soil attributes is an important indicator of soil physical quality. The aim of this study was to describe the spatial variability of the stability of aggregates and organic matter in Oxisol (Yellow Latosol) under different management systems.We collected simple samplings of soil in the eastern mesoregion of Maranhão, Brazil. Experimental areas with two distinct management systems were studied: conventional tillage and no-tillage. In each experimental area, we fitted a rectangular mesh of 50 points with 40m of spacing and 0.00 to 0.20 mof depth. The response variables were: weighted mean diameter (WMD); geometric mean diameter (GMD); percentage of aggregates (on classes of size between 1-2 mm and above 2 mm); and organic matter (OM). The no-tillage management showed high values of WMD, GMD, class of aggregates and OM. Maps of WMD and GMD were spatially correlated to OM map at no-tillage management. Soil properties had a spatial-dependent structure. The management system influenced the stability of aggregates and the amount of organic matter.