ABSTRACT Soil compaction negatively impacts soil physical functions, affecting root growth and crop yield. This study aimed to evaluate different soybean cultivars’ agronomic and physiological performance as a function of compaction in Rhodic Ferralsol under no-tillage (NT) with a clay loam texture in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. The experiment was implemented in Rio Verde, Goias state, central Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with a 3x2 factorial scheme with six replications. The first factor corresponded to three soybean cultivars from different maturity groups (MG) identified as super-early (MG = 6.2); early (MG = 6.8), and medium (MG = 7.9). The second factor was the cultivation in compacted and uncompacted soil. The experiment evaluated the soil physical properties: bulk density, total porosity, water content at matric potential -6 kPa, aeration capacity and water and air holding capacity in 0.0-0.1 and 0.1-0.2 m layers, agronomic and physiological traits (gas exchange). Soil compaction negatively affected the agronomic traits of soybean cultivars, with better performance of the medium cycle cultivar. Net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rates were reduced up to 50% under compaction and were not influenced by cultivars. Our findings suggest that soil compaction negatively affected the performance of soybean cultivars with lower maturity groups reflecting in lower plant height, shoot and root dry mass, number of pods and grain yield. The choice of soybean cultivars with a longer cycle can be an alternative to minimize the adverse effects of soil compaction.

RESUMEN El espaciamiento entre hileras comúnmente utilizado en el cultivo de yuca en Brasil, especialmente en la región de Agreste de Alagoas, varía de 100 a 120cm. Sin embargo, la reducción del espacio entre hileras puede promover ganancias agronómicas y ambientales en los sistemas de cultivo con yuca. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el comportamiento de dos variedades de yuca cultivadas con espaciamiento reducido entre hileras. Se realizaron dos experimentos en el campo, uno en el 2015/16 y otro en el 2017/18. El diseño experimental utilizado en ambos experimentos fue el de Parcelas Divididas con cuatro repeticiones. Se evaluaron cuatro espaciamientos entre filas en la parcela principal: 60, 80, 100 y 120cm, con plantas espaciadas 60cm dentro de las hileras, dando poblaciones de 27,778, 20,833, 16,667 y 13,889 plantas por hectárea, respectivamente. En las subparcelas se evaluaron dos variedades de yuca: Caravela y Pretinha. Un aumento en el espaciamiento entre hileras promovió una reducción lineal en la masa verde del tallo de la yuca. La altura de la planta, la masa verde de la hoja, el diámetro del tallo principal, el rendimiento de la raíz, la longitud de la raíz tuberosa, el diámetro de la raíz tuberosa, el porcentaje de harina, el rendimiento de la harina y el contenido de almidón no se vieron afectados por los cambios en el espaciamiento entre hileras. La variedad Pretinha fue superior a Caravela en las siguientes características evaluadas: masa verde del tallo, diámetro de raíces tuberosas, rendimiento de raíces, altura de planta y rendimiento de harina. Los resultados indican la posibilidad de alterar el espaciamiento entre hileras en la yuca para ayudar en el manejo cultural, sin afectar el rendimiento del cultivo.

ABSTRACT The interrow spacing commonly used in cassava cultivation in Brazil, especially in the Agreste region of Alagoas, ranges from 100 to 120cm. However, the reduction in row spacing can provide agronomic and environmental benefits in cassava cropping systems. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the performance of two cassava varieties cultivated with reduced interrow spacing. Two experiments were conducted in the field, one in 2015/16 and another in 2017/18. A Split Plot design with four replications was used in both experiments. Four interrow spacing were evaluated in the main plot: 60, 80, 100 and 120cm, with plants spaced 60cm apart within rows, giving populations of 27,778, 20,833, 16,667 and 13,889 plants per hectare, respectively. In the subplots, two cassava varieties were evaluated: Caravela and Pretinha. An increase in interrow spacing promoted a linear reduction in the stem green mass of cassava. Plant height, leaf green mass, main stem diameter, root yield, tuberous root length, tuberous root diameter, flour percentage, flour yield, and starch content were not influenced by changes in interrow spacing. The Pretinha variety was superior to Caravela in the following evaluated traits: stem green mass, the diameter of tuberous roots, root yield, plant height, and flour yield. The results indicate the possibility of altering the interrow spacing in cassava to assist in the cultural management, without impacting crop yield.

ABSTRACT. The succession of soybean/maize has been largely adopted. Storm damage and crop problems can lead to grain loss, generating maize ear fragments or even whole ears that remain in the soil and still display germination viability, resulting in the occurrence of volunteer plants. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the interference of voluntary maize plants on soybean and investigate the susceptibility of maize hybrids to pre-emergence herbicides. In the first step, an experiment was performed evaluating the influence of voluntary maize plant density and spatial distribution on soybean. The experiment was performed in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) with four replications, with treatments disposed in factorial arrangement (2 x 4) + 1. The first factor corresponded to the spatial distribution of maize plants: row or in between soybean rows; while the second factor adopted four infestation densities of maize plants m-2: 4, 8, 12, and 16. The additional treatment consisted of a control without maize plants. For the second step, an experiment was conducted in two locations aiming to determine the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides in the control of voluntary maize. Both experiments were installed in RCBD in a split-plot scheme with four replications. Fomesafen, lactofen, sulfentrazone, chlorimuron-ethyl, diclosulam, flumetsulam, imazethapyr, clomazone, metribuzin, [sulfentrazone + diuron], [imazethapyr + flumioxazin], and a control without herbicide application were evaluated in the main plot. In each subplot, the maize hybrids DKB310 PRO3™ and DKB390 PRO3™ were evaluated. No influence on the position of voluntary maize on the soybean yield was observed. The presence of the maize population led to a progressive decrease in soybean yield, ranging up to 86%, at 16 plants m-2. DKB390 displayed a stand reduction of 82.88% after the use of diclosulam. Diclosulam led to better results regarding maize plant decreases for both hybrids.

ABSTRACT Weed management consists of a fundamental practice in cassava, with mechanical and chemical control widely used. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides, as well as to determine the interaction of these with weeding complementation in the weed management in cassava. Two experiments were conducted in Junqueiro (Alagoas). In 2015/16, the experimental design was based on randomized blocks, with treatments distributed in a split-split-plot scheme, with four replications. In the main plot, four pre-emergence associations of clomazone + flumioxazin in different doses were evaluated, in addition to a control without herbicide. In the subplots, the Caravela and Pretinha cassava cultivars were evaluated, while in the sub-subplots the control complementation was evaluated using or not the manual weeding. In the 2016/17, the plot design and layout remained the same as for 2015/16, except for the composition of the herbicide treatments, since the standardization of clomazone dose has been chosen, varying only the doses of flumioxazin. The association of clomazone and flumioxazin has shown efficacy in weed control, with a greater residual as higher doses are used. This association provided higher shoot and root yield. Weeding complementation along the cassava cycle can increase its yield.

RESUMO A disposição espacial em que plantas se encontram na área de cultivo é fator que influencia diretamente na produtividade de grãos, pois o melhor arranjo entre essas pode resultar em maior aproveitamento de água, luz e nutrientes. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico de sorgo semeado em espaçamento de fileiras duplas no Cerrado. Para tanto, foi conduzido nas safrinhas de 2018 e 2019, experimentos de campo em delineamento de blocos completos em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, com quatro repetições, em que se utilizou dois espaçamentos de entrelinhas de semeadura: tradicional (0,50 m) e fileiras duplas (0,25 m/0,75 m) e cinco populações de plantas: 120, 180 (recomendada), 240, 300 e 360 mil plantas ha-1. Foram avaliadas características morfológicas, componentes do rendimento e produtividade de grãos utilizando análise conjunta dos dados para os dois anos de estudo. Em 2018, devido ao menor volume de chuvas durante o ciclo da cultura, a utilização do arranjo em fileiras duplas apresentou produtividade de grãos inferior ao espaçamento tradicional. Por outro lado, em 2019, ano com melhor distribuição hídrica, a produtividade foi superior a 2018. O aumento da população de plantas por hectare incrementou a produtividade de grãos de sorgo, com ganhos de até 24% em relação à população recomendada de 180 mil plantas ha-1, demonstrando que o adensamento nessa cultura pode ser uma técnica promissora desde que levado em consideração seu custo/benefício.

ABSTRACT The spatial arrangement of plants in the cultivation area is a factor that directly influences grain yield, since the best arrangement can result in the greater use of water, light and nutrients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of sorghum sown in double row spacing in the Brazilian Cerrado. For this purpose, field experiments were conducted in the 2018 and 2019 seasons in a complete block design with a factorial scheme of 2 x 5. There were four replications, using two row spacing: traditional (0.50 m) and double rows (0.25 m/0.75 m) and five plant populations: 120, 180 (recommended), 240, 300 and 360 thousand, plants ha-1. Morphological characteristics, yield components and grain yield were evaluated using joint data analysis for the two years of study. In 2018, due to lower rainfall during the crop season, the use of a double row arrangement presented grain yield lower than traditional spacing. On the other hand, in 2019, the year with the best water distribution, the yield was superior to that of 2018. The increase in plant population per hectare increased the yield of sorghum grains, with gains of up to 24% in relation to the recommended population of 180 thousand plants ha-1, demonstrated that the densification in this crop can be a promising technique as long as its cost/benefit is considered.

RESUMO O consórcio de sorgo granífero com braquiária proporciona a produção de grãos e massa seca na entressafra; contudo, há carência de informações relacionadas à implantação dessas espécies. Sendo assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar a melhor associação de sorgo granífero e braquiária na segunda safra para produção de grãos e massa seca na região do Cerrado. O experimento foi conduzido em Rio Verde, Goiás, no delineamento experimental de blocos randomizados, em esquema fatorial 2×3×4+5, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados dois híbridos de sorgo granífero (BRS 330 e DKB 551) associados a três espécies de Brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha cultivar Marandu, Brachiaria decumbens e Brachiaria ruziziensis) em quatro sistemas de implantação da braquiária (linha, entrelinha, linha + entrelinha do sorgo e a lanço). Os tratamentos adicionais referiam-se aos dois monocultivos de sorgo e às três espécies de braquiária. O consórcio de sorgo com braquiária ocasionou redução no rendimento de grãos, porém os sistemas de implantação da braquiária na linha, entrelinha e a lanço foram os mais promissores. O híbrido de sorgo DKB 551 foi o mais sensível à competição com a braquiária, sem, contudo, haver diferenças de rendimento de grãos em consórcio. Os consórcios das braquiárias na entrelinha e na linha + entrelinha, principalmente com a B. ruziziensis, foram os mais promissores para produção de massa seca e proteína bruta total. O cultivo de braquiária com o sorgo proporcionou maior aporte de massa seca na entressafra, fato importante para o sistema de plantio direto nos sistemas de produção agrícola dos Cerrados.

ABSTRACT The grain sorghum intercropped with Brachiaria provides the production of grains and dry mass in the off-season; however, there is a lack of information related to the implantation of these species. The objective of this study was to identify the best association of sorghum and Brachiaria in the production of grain and dry matter in the Brazilian Cerrado region. The experiment was conducted in Rio Verde, State of Goiás, in the experimental design of randomized blocks, in a 2×3×4+5 factorial scheme, with four replications. Two sorghum hybrids (BRS 330 and DKB 551) associated to three Brachiaria species (Brachiaria brizantha cultivar Marandu, Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria ruziziensis) were evaluated in four systems of Brachiaria implantation (row, interrow, row + interrow of sorghum and spread). Additional treatments referred to the two sorghum monocrops and the three Brachiaria species. The sorghum and Brachiaria consortium resulted in a reduction in grain yield, but the Brachiaria implantation systems in the row, interrow and spread were the most promising. The sorghum hybrid DKB 551 was the most sensitive to the competition with Brachiaria, although there were no grain yield differences in the intercropping. The Brachiaria intercropped in the interrow and in the row + interrow, mainly with B. ruziziensis, were the most promising for the production of dry mass and total crude protein. The cultivation of Brachiaria intercropped with sorghum provided a greater contribution of dry mass in the off-season, an important fact for the no-tillage system in the agricultural production systems of the Brazilian Cerrado.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades físicas de um solo com pastagem de capim-tanzânia (Megathyrsus maximus) fertilizado com nitrogênio mineral ou consorciado com a leguminosa estilosantes 'Campo Grande' (Stylosanthes spp.), submetido a pastejo contínuo e à taxa de lotação variável, em uma cronossequência de três anos. Os tratamentos foram: capim-tanzânia e estilosantes; e capim-tanzânia adubado com 75, 150 e 225 kg ha-1 de N por ano. O experimento foi realizado em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, em blocos ao acaso com três repetições, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo (primeiro, segundo e terceiro anos experimentais). Foram avaliadas, anualmente, as seguintes propriedades do solo: densidade do solo, porosidade no domínio dos macroporos, capacidade de armazenamento de água e ar do solo e resistência do solo à penetração. Após três anos, a maior taxa de lotação animal, em razão do aumento da produção de forragem, não afetou as condições físicas do solo. O consórcio de pastagem de capim-tanzânia com a leguminosa apresenta valores de capacidade de armazenamento de água e ar do solo próximos aos ideais (0,66 e 0,34, respectivamente). Após o segundo ano experimental, ocorre decréscimo dos valores de resistência do solo à penetração, que ficam abaixo do limite crítico de 2.500 kPa. O consórcio de capim-tanzânia com o estilosantes 'Campo Grande' pode ser uma alternativa interessante para a manutenção e o melhoramento das condições físicas do solo.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical properties of a soil with a 'Tanzânia' grass (Megathyrsus maximus) pasture fertilized with mineral nitrogen or intercropped with the legume 'Campo Grande' (Stylosanthes spp.), and subjected to continuous grazing and variable stocking rate, in a three-year chronosequence. The treatments were: 'Tanzânia' grass and Stylosanthes; and 'Tanzânia' grass fertilized with 75, 150, and 225 kg ha-1 N per year. The experiment was carried out in an Oxisol, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates, in split plots divided according to time (first, second, and third experimental years). The following soil properties were assessed annually: soil bulk density, porosity in the soil macropore domain, soil water and air storage capacity, and soil penetration resistance. After three years, the highest animal stocking rate due to increased forage yield did not affect the soil physical conditions. The intercrop of 'Tanzânia' grass with the legume shows values of soil water and air storage capacity close to the ideal ones (0.66 and 0.34, respectively). After the second experimental year, there is a decrease in the penetration resistance values, which are inferior to the critical limit of 2,500 kPa. The intercropping of 'Tanzânia' grass with stylosanthes 'Campo Grande' can be a remarkable alternative for the maintenance and improvement of soil physical conditions.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a acurácia em medidas do potencial mátrico da água no solo (ψm) por tensiômetros de punção com cápsulas arredondadas ou pontiagudas, instalados com ou sem “lama de solo”, e comparar o desempenho destes tensiômetros com o de tensiômetros com manômetros de mercúrio. O experimento foi conduzido em Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial, com cinco repetições. Tensiômetros de punção com cápsulas arredondadas, instalados com “lama de solo”, apresentam maior acurácia nas determinações do ψm em uma faixa mais ampla de medidas, assemelhando-se aos tensiômetros com manômetros de mercúrio com o secamento do solo.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the measurement accuracy of the soil water matric potential (ψm) by puncture tensiometers with either rounded or pointed porous cups, installed with or without “soil mud”, and to compare the performance of these tensiometers with that of tensiometers equipped with mercury manometers. The experiment was conducted in a Ultisol, in a randomized complete block design, in a factorial arrangement with five replicates. Puncture tensiometers with rounded porous cups, installed with “soil mud”, present more elevated accuracy for ψm determination in a wider measurement range, resembling tensiometers equipped with mercury manometers in drying soil.

ABSTRACT Understanding the spatial behavior of soil physical properties under no-tillage system (NT) is required for the adoption and maintenance of a sustainable soil management system. The aims of this study were to quantify soil bulk density (BD), porosity in the soil macropore domain (PORp) and in the soil matrix domain (PORm), air capacity in the soil matrix (ACm), field capacity (FC), and soil water storage capacity (FC/TP) in the row (R), interrow (IR), and intermediate position between R and IR (designated IP) in the 0.0-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m soil layers under NT; and to verify if these soil properties have systematic variation in sampling positions related to rows and interrows of corn. Soil sampling was carried out in transect perpendicular to the corn rows in which 40 sampling points were selected at each position (R, IR, IP) and in each soil layer, obtaining undisturbed samples to determine the aforementioned soil physical properties. The influence of sampling position on systematic variation of soil physical properties was evaluated by spectral analysis. In the 0.0-0.1 m layer, tilling the crop rows at the time of planting led to differences in BD, PORp, ACm, FC and FC/TP only in the R position. In the R position, the FC/TP ratio was considered close to ideal (0.66), indicating good water and air availability at this sampling position. The R position also showed BD values lower than the critical bulk density that restricts root growth, suggesting good soil physical conditions for seed germination and plant establishment. Spectral analysis indicated that there was systematic variation in soil physical properties evaluated in the 0.0-0.1 m layer, except for PORm. These results indicated that the soil physical properties evaluated in the 0.0-0.1 m layer were associated with soil position in the rows and interrows of corn. Thus, proper assessment of soil physical properties under NT must take into consideration the sampling positions and previous location of crop rows and interrows.

A qualidade física do solo é um dos fatores determinantes da sustentabilidade agronômica, econômica e ambiental no sistema plantio direto (SPD). A compactação do solo tem sido apontada como um dos fatores de redução da qualidade física em solos sob SPD. Contudo, com a utilização do SPD, pode haver o incremento de matéria orgânica do solo e o desenvolvimento de um sistema poroso contínuo e estável, que atenuam os impactos negativos da compactação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade física de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico sob SPD durante 30 anos, utilizando o intervalo hídrico ótimo (IHO) e o grau de compactação do solo (GC). Em uma área comercial com histórico de altas produtividades sob SPD, foram coletadas amostras de solo com estrutura preservada e deformada, para determinação da densidade do solo (Ds), do IHO e do GC. As amostras com estrutura preservada foram obtidas em três posições, relativas às linhas (L), entrelinhas (E) e posição intermediária entre as linhas e entrelinhas (PI) da cultura do milho. Foram determinadas as curvas de retenção de água e resistência do solo à penetração, bem como a Ds. A amostra de solo com estrutura deformada foi usada para obter a curva de compactação, utilizando o teste de Proctor. A Dmax foi obtida a partir da curva de compactação, e o GC foi determinado pela razão entre a Ds e a Dmax. Independentemente dos limites críticos de resistência à penetração (RP), verifica-se redução do IHO com o aumento da Ds. Os maiores valores do IHO foram verificados na posição de amostragem L, e a utilização de RP crítica maior que 2,0 MPa resultou em IHO condizente com a qualidade física desse solo sob SPD de longo tempo. A Dmax foi de 1,52 kg dm-3, e o GC variou de 64 a 87 %, sendo os maiores valores obtidos nas posições E e PI. Os valores de IHO e GC obtidos neste estudo indicam que a qualidade física desse solo não é limitante à produção das culturas após 30 anos de utilização do SPD.

The soil physical quality is one of the factors that determine the agronomic, economic and environmental sustainability in long-term no-tillage systems (NT). Soil compaction has been discussed as a factor that contributes to a reduction in physical quality under NT. However, the use of NT can increase soil organic matter and lead to a continuous and stable porous system that mitigates the negative impacts of compaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical quality of an Oxisol after 30 years of NT, using the least limiting water range (LLWR) and the degree of soil compaction (DC). The soil was sampled in a plantation with a history of high yields under NT. Soil samples with undisturbed and disturbed structure were collected to determine bulk density (BD), the LLWR and DC. The samples with undisturbed structure were taken from three sampling positions: from the rows (R); from the middle in-between two rows (M) and from an intermediate position (IP) between the R and M of corn plants. The water retention curve, soil resistance curve and BD were determined. The disturbed soil sample was used to obtain the compaction curve using the Proctor test. The Dmax was obtained from the compaction curve and DC was determined by the ratio between the BD and Dmax. Regardless of the critical limits of resistance to penetration (RP), there is a reduction of the LLWR with increasing BD. The highest values of LLWR were observed in the R sampling position and the use of critical RP > 2.0 MPa resulted in a LLWR consistent with the soil physical quality in long-term NT. The Dmax was 1.52 kg dm-3 and DC ranged from 64 to 87 %, with the highest values obtained from the positions M and IP. The values of LLWR and DC recorded in this study suggest that the physical quality of this soil after 30 years of NT is not limiting to crop production.