Soil Quality Indicators and Water Erosion in Olive Groves (Olea europaea L.) Under Different Vegetation Cover Management

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Abstract
Olive groves (Olea europaea L.) are highly susceptible to soil degradation, particularly water erosion, due to sparse canopy cover and wide inter-row spacing. This study evaluated the effect of different vegetation cover management practices on soil quality and erosion control in a tropical olive grove in southeastern Brazil. The experiment followed a randomized block design with five treatments: exposed soil (BS), olive trees on exposed soil (OB), olive trees with spontaneous vegetation managed with herbicide (OVH), with mowing (OVM), and with mowing + localized weeding (OVMC). Physical, chemical, and biological indicators and losses due to water erosion were analyzed. The OVM and OVMC treatments promoted an increase in soil organic matter (up to 39 g kg−1), microbial biomass carbon (40% higher than BS), enzymatic activity, and glomalin, improving aggregate stability (WMD of 4.9 mm) and reducing soil and water losses by more than 99% compared to exposed soil. The BS and OB treatments, on the other hand, showed higher acidity, lower microbial activity, and greater susceptibility to erosion. The study reinforces that maintaining vegetation cover improves soil quality, mitigates erosion, and promotes the sustainability of olive groves in tropical regions.
Funding Information
  • Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) (001, 307950/2021-2, APQ 00802-18)
  • National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (001, 307950/2021-2, APQ 00802-18)
  • Foundation for Research Support of the State of Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) (001, 307950/2021-2, APQ 00802-18)

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