The commercial tree species Dipteryx odorata improves soil physical and biological attributes in abandoned pastures

In the Eastern Amazon, abandoned and unproductive areas are widespread and normally found as a result of soil degradation. In this study we presented the following scientific question: Is it possible to improve the quality of soil physical and biological attributes of areas previously occupied by abandoned pastures with commercial plantation of the native species Dipteryx odorata? To respond this question, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of D. odorata plantations after abandoned pastures on the soil physical and biological attributes, using the soil from a successional forest in the municipality of Óbidos, Eastern Amazon, Brazil, as a reference. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from depths 0–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm to determine organic matter content, bulk density, macro-, micro-, and total porosity. Soil macrofauna was collected at depth 0–10 cm and visual evaluation of soil structure was also conducted. The plantation accumulated organic matter and presented higher density of the macrofauna orders Haplotaxida and Blattodea, suborder Isoptera, and promoted better soil structural quality. Results were similar to those of the reference forest and higher than those of abandoned pastures. The D. odorata plantation was therefore an effective alternative for forest recovery of degraded areas in the region. •Dipteryx odorata improves physical and biological conditions of the soil•Dipteryx odorata plantation recovers soils of abandoned pastures•Soils attributes of Dipteryx odorata plantations resemble those of forest soils•Dipteryx odorata plantation can be recommended to recover degraded areas