Rev. Bras. Ciênc. Solo.2025;49:e0240079.
Biopores, soil decompacting potential, and biomass of Brachiaria cultivars
Milson Evaldo Serafim 
, Samara Martins Barbosa , Walmes Marques Zeviani , Eduardo da Costa Severiano , Kátia Aparecida de Pinho Costa , Luciano Recart Romano , Bruno Montoani Silva
07/Mar/2025
DOI: 10.36783/18069657rbcs20240079
Graphical Abstract
Highlights
Six Brachiaria grass cultivars grew in wax layer (1.5 MPa) condition
5 MPa soil penetration resistance limits root system differently
Brachiaria cultivars presented distinct purposes in their use as a cover crop
Xaraés indicated greatest potential for alleviating soil compaction
Brachiaria ruziziensis showed high root biomass production
ABSTRACT
Grasses of the Brachiaria genus are widely used as cover crops in no-tillage areas of the Brazilian Cerrado. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of six Brachiaria cultivars to produce shoot and root biomass, and the potential of the root system to grow through a 0.01 m thick wax layer with 1.5 MPa penetration resistance. The plants were grown in PVC columns with a diameter of 0.1 m and a height of 0.7 m. The column was divided into an upper part measuring 0.25 m (top) and a lower part measuring 0.45 m (bottom). The wax layer was positioned between the two parts of the column as a physical barrier to be perforated by the roots. The columns were filled with peaty substrate. The Brachiaria cultivars used were: Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás, Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. Ruziziensis, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés and Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. The Ruziziensis cultivar accumulated a high root dry mass, but the Xaraés cultivar presented the highest wax layer perforation capacity (80 %). Decumbens is the species with the lowest wax layer perforation capacity (10 %). Brachiaria species and cultivars demonstrated differences in their responses to high root penetration ability, which can be used for recommended different species of Brachiaria in different proposes used changes in shoot, leaves, and root dry matter and the distribution of roots in the soil column profile. Xaraés cultivar has potential to be used as a management strategy in soil recovery for degraded lands with mechanical impedance.
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