Maize and Brachiaria decumbens under different soil tillage in farming-pasture integration - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v31i4.915

Abstract

Conservation tillage and production systems that aim to maximize soil and water use in a sustainable form have become alternatives for regions that have relatively short periods of rain and high temperatures. The objective of this research was to evaluate intercropping systems with maize and Brachiaria that have better adaptation to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the “Zona da Mata” region, state of Alagoas. The treatments consisted of a BRS 3150 hybrid of maize, cultivated in the following systems: Conventional Cropping, Minimum Cultivation and No-tillage (BRS 3150 intercropped with Brachiaria decumbens). The design used was randomized block with subdivided plots. Soil samples were collected for chemical analysis. Production components and grain yield were also evaluated. The different soil managements and the use of Brachiaria decumbens in an intercropping system with maize did not affect production components. The result analysis allowed the conclusion that the use of Brachiaria decumbens had a negative influence on maize yield when cultivated in an intercropping system, with the higher yield obtained in conservations systems.