No-tillage associated to cover crops may maintain soil quality, improving or preserving favorable soil physical conditions for plant growth. This study assessed soil bulk density, porosity, penetration resistance, and water infiltration of a PALEUDALF, in the Experimental Area of the Soil Science Department of the Federal University of Santa Maria, in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, in an experiment started in 1991, with the following crop successions and rotations: (1) Corn/Soybean – Jackbean – MFP; (2) Bare soil – SDES; (3) […]

Dynamics of decomposition and nitrogen (N) release of cover crop residues in mixed and single cultures was evaluated in a field experiment. The following materials were used: (a) black oat (Avena strigosa Schieb); (b) common vetch (Vicia sativa L.); (c) oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiferus Metzg.); (d) 32 % black oat + 68 % common vetch, and (e) 51 % black oat + 49 % common vetch. To monitor the residue decomposition, air-dried plant material was inserted in 0.5 mm mesh nylon-bags (0.2 […]

An increase in the use of winter mixed cover crops has been observed in Southern Brazil during the last years. As a new agricultural practice, it is important to evaluate its potential benefits in dry matter production and nutrient accumulation. A field experiment was carried out from 1998 to 2000, in UFSM (RS), on a Typic Paludalf soil. Black oat (Avena strigosa Schieb) + common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and black oat + oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiferus […]