01710naa a2200229 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000160006024501620007626000090023850000100024752009410025765000160119865000180121465000220123265000110125465300100126570000200127570000270129570000220132277301360134418748802011-02-14       2010    bl uuuu     u00u1 u    #d1 aCRUZ, J. L.  aInfluence of cover crops on the size distribution and weigheted average diameter of soil aggregates in an ultisol dystrophic cohesive cultivated with papaya.  c2010  aag 11  aSoils are constituted by countless micro-sites that are characterized, not only by climatic and edaphic conditions, but also by peculiar factors like the presence of an organic matter particle, a root system, a micropore saturated with water and their capacity for gas exchange (Cardoso et al., 1992); the fractions known as soil aggregates encompass this universe (Ferreira, 2008). In agriculture, the way in which soils are used contributes to modify their properties. In the case of papaya plantations, the actual agricultural practices include a heavily mechanised system that is causing the compaction of soil surface. Souza (1996) and Carvalho et al. (2004) defended the idea that the use of cover crops in the interrows of commercial plantations can improve soil structure. This study evaluated the effect of cover crops on the size distribution and weighted average diameter of soil aggregates in an area cultivated with papaya.  acover crops  aCarica Papaya  aCobertura Vegetal  aMamão  aSoils1 aSOUZA, L. da S.1 aSOUSA, N. C. dos S. de1 aSANTOS, M. J. dos  tIn:SIMPÓSIO INTERNACIONAL DE FRUTICULTURA TROPICAL Y SUBTROPICAL, 3., 2010, Cuba. Fruticultura 2010: memorias. Havana: IIFT, 2010.