Cover plants in corn pre-cropping of no-tillage system - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v27i3.1393

Abstract

Covering plants in corn pre-cropping (Zea Mays) were cultivated in no-tillage system to evaluate soil coverage, phytomass production and N accumulation for the species of covering plants; N supply to corn and crop productivity. The experimental design was made in randomized blocks, with subdivided plots, being the cover plants the main treatments and secondary ones 0 and 120 kg ha^-1 of N (NH₄NO₃) at the time of corn cover fertilization. It was possible to confirm millet (Pennisetum americanum), sun hemp (Crotalaria juncea) and spontaneous vegetation as better cover system; millet produced more phytomass and was more efficient in the soil covering; sun hemp and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) presented greater contents of N. In the lack of N fertilization, the following of spontaneous vegetation/corn granted greater N content accumulated in corn straw, in corn grain and biomass; the culture following sun hemp presented the greatest grain production.