Soil Mechanical Resistance Penetration after Fifteen Years with Previous Crops and Tillage Systems and Productivity of Green Corn Cob in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Conservation systems for less soil movement and when associated with previous crops may reduce the effects of soil compaction. The objective of this work was to evaluate soil mechanical resistance penetration (MRP) in different cropping systems associated with previous corn crop after fifteen years. The experimental design was composed of experimental strips with subdivided plots, combining three soils management systems: CC- conventional cultivation, MC- minimum cultivation and NT- no-tillage, and four species of crops antecedent to maize for the production of commercial ears of green corn. In the determination of soil MRP, the electronic penetrometer (FALKER model SoloTrack PLG 5200) was used, with readings up to a depth of 400 mm. The results showed that there was a significant effect on the MRP values of the soil when submitted to the different cropping systems and previous crops at the end of fifteen years. The lowest MRP values were located in the superficial layers in the CC and MC. The NT cultivar system showed higher MRP values, at depth 0-100 mm. At conditions of tableland, after fifteen years, it was observed that the NT system provides better corn productivity levels combined with lower MRP values along the profile.