Soil properties play an important role in spatial variability of crop yield. However, a low spatial correlation has generally been observed between maps of crop yield and of soil properties. The objectives of the present investigation were to assess the spatial pattern variability of soil properties and of corn yield at the same sampling intensity, and evaluate its cause-and-effect relationships. The experimental site was structured in a grid of 100 referenced points, spaced at 10 m intervals along four parallel […]

Intercropping of a forage and main grain crop ensures forage production in the autumn-winter, and straw for mulching in the no-tillage system. The contribution of dry root matter in the soil profile allows the improvement of soil structural quality. The objective of this research was to evaluate changes in soil physical and physico-hydric properties with the cultivation of maize grown alone and intercropped with Brachiaria brizantha. The study was carried out on the Experimental Farm Lageado (UNESP, Botucatu-SP) in the […]

The influence of cover crops and their management on the maintenance or improvement of soil physical quality in areas under organic production should be investigated. This study aimed to determine the influence of the cover crops sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp), velvet bean (Mucuna aterrima), sorghum (Sorgum technicum), and fallow on physical properties of soil under organic cultivation of common bean and corn, in no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems. The study was conducted […]

The residue of the process of parboiling rice contains high amounts of elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and others which, once incorporated into the soil, could serve as a source of nutrients. Accordingly, the present study evaluated some properties of an Ultisol, the dry matter production and nutritional status of corn grown after applying an anaerobic sludge originated from the process of parboiling rice. The experiment was conducted in 4 kg pots filled with soil, in four replications. The following […]

Nitrogen influences the processes of morphogenesis and tillering in Poaceae. However, its effect on maize tillering is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess whether N rates and application time affect tiller emission, survival and contribution to maize grain yield. The experiment was set up in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in the growing seasons of 2006/07 and 2008/09. The experimental design was arranged in randomized blocks with split plots. In the first year, the main plots consisted […]

Maize yield has increased with the development of modern cultivars and the demand for N has followed the same trend. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect the timing of N application on grain yield and distribution in maize plant components in the presence and absence of Mo fertilizer under no-tillage. The experiment was conducted in the 2006/07 growing season, at the Experimental Station of Coimbra-MG. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block with three replications […]

Crop residues on the soil surface act mainly as protection against raindrop impact, reducing aggregate disruption, runoff, sediment transport and consequently, erosion. This protection can have significant effects on the corn plant characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the amount of black oat residues on no-tillage root development, nutrient uptake and grain yield of corn genotypes. The experiment was conducted in an Oxisol, in a randomized block design in split plots with three replications. […]

With acidity correction, important nutrients for the corn development become more available to the plants, increasing yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate chemical changes in two soils and corn dry matter yield as affected by lime application with different degrees of reaction. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse on a Oxisol and a Quartzpsament. Three rates of three commercial limes were applied, one with mean reactivity A (RE = 85.7 %; PRNT = 88.3 %), […]

The objective of this study was to evaluate, under field conditions, in Colina-SP, Brazil, the response of two corn cultivars to six soil compaction levels of an Oxisol regarding the root system development, and to characterize soil compaction by the least limiting water range (LLWR). The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design, with strip plots and four replications. The corn hybrids DKB 390 and DAS 2B710 were used. After corn sowing, undisturbed soil samples were collected to determine physical […]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, under field conditions, in Colina-SP, Brazil, the response of two genetically different corn cultivars to six compaction levels of an Oxisol. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design, with strip plots and four replications. The corn hybrids DKB 390 and DAS 2B710 were used. After corn seeding, non-deformed soil samples were collected from the layers 0-0.10, 0.10-0.20 and 0.20-0.30 m to determine soil physical properties and the S index. At the seed […]