CERRADO SOIL QUALITY UNDER DIVERSE FARMING SYSTEMS IN FAMILY AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Family farming (FF) is a fundamental pillar of food security and social well-being, as it integrates social,
cultural, and environmental dimensions. Despite its recognition since the 1990s, the sector faces persistent
technological and policy challenges, particularly in the Cerrado biome. This study evaluated soil quality under
pasture and native Cerrado vegetation in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Undisturbed and disturbed soil samples
were collected from the 0.00 – 0.10 m and 0.10 – 0.20 m layers of a dystrophic Lithic Ustorthents. Laboratory
analyses were performed to quantify physical, hydrological, and biochemical parameters, including total
organic carbon (TOC), soil bulk density (BD), porosity (PT), water storage capacity, and aggregate stability.
A Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) was also performed for detailed diagnostics. Data were
subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were compared using Student’s t-test at a 5%
probability level (p < 0.05). The native Cerrado exhibited significantly higher TOC, reflecting greater organic
matter input. In contrast, the pasture showed higher BD values than the Cerrado, indicating soil compaction
and reduced porosity, which compromised water infiltration. Water storage capacity was 50% lower in the
pasture, highlighting reduced water retention. Furthermore, the VESS method classified the Cerrado as
"friable" (score 1.5) and the pasture as "firm" (score 2.5), aligning with the quantitative data. Thus, the native
Cerrado maintains superior edaphic conditions, with greater structural stability and carbon reserves.
Conversely, pasture management involving fire and trampling promoted soil compaction and degradation,
underscoring the need for interventions such as crop rotation or integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems
(ICLFS) to restore soil health. The VESS method proved effective for low-cost, participatory monitoring that
could be readily adopted by family farmers.