Soil Strength and Structural Stability Are Mediated by Soil Organic Matter Composition in Agricultural Expansion Areas of the Brazilian Cerrado Biome

A growing demand for resources has led to the expansion of agricultural areas worldwide. However, land conversion associated with poor soil management might lead physical degradation. We investigated effects on properties in Brazilian Cerrado region, under native vegetation (NV)—pasture (PA) and NV—cropland (CL) scenarios. Soil related compaction, pore size distribution, structure stability were assessed up a 30 cm depth. Additionally, carbon levels organic matter fractions (particulate mineral-associated matter) determined. Our results indicate that compaction process equivalently reduced porosity PA CL. penetration resistance was higher (~2.5 MPa) than CL (~1.5 MPa), as well stable mean weight diameter aggregates. The highest total labile observed CL, while lowest occurred (smaller CL). These suggest structural found mediated by predominance stabilized (a decrease proportion carbon), causing gaining strength negligible volume variation (in comparison reduction due uses can reduce macropore space hydraulic functioning, quality alterations (i.e., vs. fractions) are responsible gain long-term degraded areas. Future research should focus understanding magnitude which controls attributes, such these areas, whether this limits plant development compromises productivity long term.