Influência da cobertura do solo na produtividade e qualidade do solo

Abstract

Soil is an essential natural resource that supports life and agricultural productivity, but its degradation poses a challenge to food security and environmental health. Soil cover plays a crucial role in maintaining productivity and preserving soil quality. This study aims to describe the influence of soil cover on improving agricultural productivity and preserving soil quality, with a focus on sustainability. The adopted methodology was a literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on the analysis of scientific articles regarding the influence of soil cover on productivity and soil quality. Studies were selected from databases such as SciELO and Google Scholar, using inclusion criteria based on language, publication period, and thematic relevance. After screening 50 abstracts, 8 articles were deemed appropriate and organized in a summary table for analysis. It was found that soil cover, through the use of live plants and plant residues, has been shown to reduce erosion, conserve moisture, and enhance soil fertility and structure. Furthermore, soil cover protects against compaction and nutrient leaching, promoting the long-term fertility and sustainability of agricultural systems