Coberturas vegetais e seus efeitos nas características agronômicas do milho (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Corn productivity in the Amazon region is relatively low, when compared to other states in the country. The low natural fertility of the soils and the little adoption of sustainable technologies are factors responsible for the low yield levels. Vegetative mulches have been revealed as an excellent alternative in sustainable management, contributing to the improvement of productivity. The principal aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of the use of mulches on the agronomic characteristics and morpho-physiological components of corn, by conducting growth analysis. Two trails were conducted in two different areas denoted cycle 1 and cycle. The researchwas conducted in the experimental farm of the Federal University of Amazonas. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 4x5 factorial arrangement, with four cover crop species (Brachiaria ruziziensis, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, Canavalia ensiformis (L.), Mucuna pruriens and a control treatment composed of the species occurring in the area, and five collection periods (14, 28, 42, 52 and 70 Days after emergence - DAE) totaling 25 treatments, with 5 replications.The following parameters: plant height, corn stalk diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, total dry matter weight (root, stalk and leaves), leaf area index, specific leaf area, net assimilation rate and relative growth rate. Until the end of the vegetative stage (70 DAE), the coverings of Brachiaria ruziziensis and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. they proved to be satisfactory because they provided better performance for agronomic characteristics in the corn cultivation system.