Physical attributes and organic material in pastures of Brachiaria brizantha at degradation levels

Pastures cover, in Brazil, around 165 million ha, most of them are at some degradation level. Recovering these pastures is essential. The objective this study was to evaluate the sensibility soil organic matter (SOM) and its physical attributes pasture different levels (1 4), Capoeiras 2) secondary Forest (Control). Samples were collected four depths (0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20 0.20-0.40 m). We verified higher values for SOM hydraulic conductivity (Ko) Forest, especially superficial layer (0.00-0.05). noted low macroporosity area. In all areas under lower Ko observed (0.00-0.05 m) when compared layers 0.05-0.10 m, which indicates that management cattle trampling negatively affect quality pastures. For field capacity wilting point average Pasture 4 (more degraded), caused water availability. According principal components analysis, except variables studied presented correlation above 0.6. From grouping we separated 3 groups: Forest; 1 Capoeira 2 4.