Caracterização do solo sob sistemas de produção orgânico e convencional em área de influência da rodovia PR-566, Francisco Beltrão, PR

Abstract

Soil quality is an essential factor for the sustainability of agricultural systems, as it directly influences fertility, nutrient availability, microbial activity, physical structure, and crop development. This study aimed to analyze the chemical, organic, biological, and physical soil attributes in two agricultural areas located near the PR-566 highway in the municipality of Francisco Beltrão, Paraná: one managed under an organic production system and the other under a conventional production system. Samples were collected from the 0–20 cm layer, georeferenced using a GPS, and sent to the Soil Laboratory at the UTFPR Francisco Beltrão Campus. The parameters evaluated included pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, organic matter, basal soil respiration, and penetration resistance. The mean pH was 5.40 for the soil under the organic system and 6.00 for the soil under the conventional system. Basal respiration was higher in the organic system, indicating greater microbiological activity and biological stability across the sampled points. Total nitrogen levels were also higher and more stable in the organic area, with a mean of 0.49 g kg⁻¹, whereas the conventional area showed a mean of 0.1113 g kg⁻¹ and greater variability. Regarding organic carbon and organic matter, the organic system showed mean values of 3.29% and 5.66%, respectively, while the conventional system showed mean values of 1.03% and 1.77%, respectively, demonstrating lower levels of these attributes. Overall, the results indicated that the organic system exhibited superior chemical, organic, and biological soil conditions, characterized by greater accumulation of organic matter, organic carbon, and total nitrogen, as well as higher microbial activity. Proximity to the PR-566 highway did not show a clear linear trend regarding the evaluated attributes; the observed variations were more closely related to the management system, vegetation cover, moisture, compaction, and the land-use history of the areas. It is concluded that organic management contributed to greater soil stability and quality, whereas the conventional system required more conservation practices.