In spite of the existence of descriptive information on sandy soils in tropical areas, information regarding management and conservation is scarce. The present study aimed at evaluating changes in the physical-hydric attributes of Orthic Quartzarenic Neosol resulting from use and management having in view the definition of sustainable management systems. The study was carried out in the municipal district of Mineiros, GO, in areas submitted to five systems of use and management of the soil: pasture (PAS), soybeans under no-till (PDS), corn under no-till (PDM), agriculture-livestock integration (IAP), and native savannah (NSAV). Five samples were collected per area, at the depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm, in the winter of 2005 and in the summer of 2006, for evaluation of bulk density, micro and macroporosity, and saturated soil hydraulic conductivity. The physical-hydric attributes evaluated did not vary within the sampling period. Microporosity values indicate low retention of the water available to the plants. Agricultural land use of the soil promoted alterations in all the appraised attributes. The macroporosity of the soil was the attribute most sensitive to structural changes resulting from management, but it did not, however, present values considered limiting to plant growth. The reduction of saturated soil hydraulic conductivity in human activity areas endangered the quality of the soil and it can affect the recharge of the water table and increase the erosive process. Maintenance of the soil covering is considered the key measure for agricultural exploration in these areas.
Sandy soils management; no-till; crop-cattle integration; soil structure change
