| dc.description | The structural condition of the soil and its relationship with pastures under different conditions in use soil were evaluated in the Simpson Valley, Aysén Region, Chile (45° 43 ' S, 72° 07'N). Soils correspond to Andisols, Pollux series (Typic Hapludands). Established conditions were: terrace in degraded natural pasture (TPD), terrace in well-kept planted pasture (TPBE), silvopasture (SP), degraded natural pasture on a hill site (LPD), and well-kept planted pasture on a hill site (LPBE). At depths of 5, 10 and 20 cm. Percentage of soil aggregation, macroaggregates (Y >0.25 mm), microaggregates (Y<0.25 mm), stability of aggregates (MWD mm) and Loss Index (IP g kg-1) were determined by wet sieving. The experimental design was a complete randomized in a split plot arrangement. Statistical differences were analyzed using Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). A high percentage of aggregation (77.8 ± 9.7) and a predominance of macroaggregates were observed in all treatments. Higher aggregate stability was observed in SP (> MWD), followed by TPBE and LPBE, while TPD and LPD showed lower levels of aggregate stability. IP correlated with MWD values (r = -0.723; R²=0.567). Soils presented good physical conditions but fragile nature. Silvopasture is a highly beneficial practice to maintain and improve soil physical conditions of the valley, followed by artificial pastures. | |
