Effects of two land clearing methods on the physical properties of an Oxisol in the Brazilian Amazon
1985
Diaz, A.C.C.P. | Nortcliff, S. (Reading Univ., Reading (UK). Dept. of Soil Science)
Two different methods of clearance of tropical rainforest: (a) traditional slash-and-burn clearance and (b) mechanical clearance using bulldozers were studied on a heavy, clayey Oxisol and comparisons were made with adjacent virgin forest soils. Removal of topsoil, mechanical impedance, dry bulk density, porosity, moisture content and infiltration capacity were measured. The clearing of the forest by bulldozer resulted in considerable topsoil removal and deterioration of the soil structure. On average 5.7 cm of topsoil were lost and there was compaction to 15 cm below the soil surface. The hand-felling and burning method of clearing produced conditions little changed from those under virgin forest and would be suitable for perenial tree crops such as cocoa; but further site preparation would be required for annual crops such as sugarcane and maize
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