ABSTRACT Fertilization systems that allow higher sowing speeds have been used in areas of grain production, as well as the use of intercropping to improve soil physical quality and provide better soil cover. This study aimed to evaluate soil attributes and the initial corn development and intercropping (corn + velvet bean, corn + pigeonpea, and corn + bonavist bean) as a function of fertilization systems (pre-sowing and sowing). The experiment was conducted in an Oxisol in a randomized block design in the 2 × 3 factorial scheme, with four replications. The number of days for emergence, plant stand, intercropping dry matter, soil straw cover, soil straw permanence index, penetration resistance, soil moisture, soil density, degree of compaction, and total soil porosity were measured. The percentage of soil straw cover was affected by fertilization system, mainly by pre-sowing fertilization. Soil physical attributes were not affected by fertilization and intercropping systems, except total porosity, in the 0–0.10 m layer, which has a combined effect of factors. The initial corn development was not affected by fertilization and intercropping systems. Velvet bean presented the highest number of days for the emergence and lower dry matter.

RESUMO Os sistemas de preparo do solo e o aumento do tráfego nas áreas agrícola têm contribuído para o aumento da compactação do solo e diminuição da produtividade das culturas. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a influência de implementos de preparo do solo e de níveis de compactação sobre atributos físicos de Argissolo Amarelo distrófico típico, textura arenosa, e os impactos nos atributos agronômicos da cultura do milho. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por três implementos de preparo do solo (IP1 = grade aradora; IP2 = arado de aivecas, e IP3 = escarificador) e quatro níveis de compactação (NC0 = solo não trafegado; NC3 = 3 passadas; NC6 = 6 passadas, e NC9 = 9 passadas de trator). No solo, foram avaliados os atributos: densidade do solo, porosidade total e resistência mecânica à penetração, nas profundidades de 0,00‑0,10; 0,10-0,20; 0,20-0,30 e 0,30-0,40 m; e, na cultura, foram avaliados a matéria seca das plantas e de raízes e a produtividade de grãos. Os implementos de preparo do solo influenciaram sobre a densidade do solo e a porosidade total na camada de 0,00-0,10 m. Os níveis de compactação provocaram aumento da resistência à penetração até à profundidade de 0,30 m. O aumento da resistência à penetração acima de 1,53 MPa reduziu linearmente a matéria seca de plantas e a produtividade de grãos de milho, e acima de 2,18 MPa reduziu a matéria seca de raízes.

ABSTRACT Soil tillage and increased traffic in farming areas have contributed to a higher soil compaction and decreased crop yields. Thus, we aimed at assessing the influence of tillage implement types and compaction levels on physical properties of a Yellow Argisol (Ultisol) and further effects on corn agronomic traits. The treatments consisted of three tillage implements (IP1 = disc harrow, IP2 = moldboard plow and IP3 = chisel plow) and four levels of compaction (NC0 = no traffic soil; NC3 = 3 passes; NC6 = 6 passes and NC9 = 9 passes by a tractor). We evaluated the following soil properties: soil bulk density, total porosity and mechanical resistance to penetration at the depth ranges of 0.00-0.10; 0.10-0.20; 0.20-0.30 and 0.30-0.40 m. Regarding the corn plants, we assessed plant and root dry matter as well as grain yield. The results showed that tillage implements had influence on soil density and total porosity at the layer of 0.00-0.10 m. Furthermore, the compaction levels increased soil mechanical resistance to penetration at a depth of 0.30 m. We also observed that an increase above 1.53 MPa in soil resistance to penetration reduced linearly plant dry matter and grain yield; and when it was above 2.18 MPa, root dry matter was reduced too.

RESUMO Os sistemas de preparo do solo afetam a quantidade de resíduo vegetal sobre a superfície do solo e, consequentemente, sua umidade e temperatura. Objetivou-se avaliar a temperatura e a umidade do Argissolo Amarelo em estádios de desenvolvimento da cultura do milho sob sistemas de preparo mecanizado. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento em blocos inteiramente casualizados, com quatro repetições, em Petrolina - PE. Os sistemas de preparo do solo foram: sem preparo primário, grade off-set de discos de 0,56 m, grade off-set de discos de 0,61 m, escarificador e arado de aivecas. As leituras de umidade e temperatura foram realizadas ao longo do dia, nos horários de 6; 9; 12; 15 e 18 h, nos estádios de desenvolvimento V3, V8, R3 e R6 do milho. A umidade do solo foi avaliada na camada de 0,00-0,05 m utilizando-se do método gravimétrico, e a temperatura do solo na superfície, utilizando-se de termômetro infravermelho. Os sistemas de preparo do solo e os horários de leitura influenciaram na umidade e na temperatura do solo. Os maiores valores de umidade ocorreram no período da manhã, enquanto a maior temperatura do solo ocorreu na parte da tarde.

ABSTRACT The tillage systems affect the amount of crop residue on the soil surface, and hence its temperature and moisture content. To evaluate the variation of moisture content and soil temperature in systems of tillage on maize growth stages, an experiment was conducted in Ultisol. The experiment was conducted with randomized complete block with four replications in Petrolina – PE, Brazil. The treatments consisted of five tillage systems applied to the plots – unprepared primary, off-set disc harrow of 0.56 m, off-set disc harrow of 0.61 m, chisel plow and moldboard plow. The soil moisture and temperature readings were taken at 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 h for the different maize stages V3, V8, R3 and R6. Soil moisture was measured in the layer between 0.00-0.05 m by means of deformed samples by using gravimetric method and soil temperature at the surface with infrared thermometer. Systems of soil tillage and hours of reading influenced the moisture and soil temperature. The highest values of soil moisture content occur in the morning, while the highest temperature of the soil in the afternoon.