Abstract
The region of Campos Gerais, in the State of Paraná, is leader in grain yields and state-of-the-art no-tillage farming. The widely adopted no-tillage system tends to increment soil variability. There are several studies about spatial variability of soil characteristics affecting grain yield, but not enough attention has been given to the variability resulting of human actions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of soil clay content and the depth of placement of corn seeds on areas under no-till systems management. The four selected cornfields areas for the study are property of local farm cooperatives associates. The points for evaluation were defined consider-ing the local mapping of soil texture. Clay content varied from 94 to 489 g kg-1 on Plot 1; from 222 to 414 g kg-1 on Plot 2; from 269 to 509 of rows to be considered for plant distribution and seed depth analyses. The coefficient of variation (CV) of plant distribution was between 23 and 56%. For seed depth, the CV was between 18 and 34%. The regression analysis showed high coefficients of determination (r2) for plots 1 and 2 (r2=0,85 and 0,83). The clay content was generally higher on plots 3 and 4. In this case, the analysis of variance was not significant, and the coefficients of determination were low (r2=0,22 and 0,01). Results indicate that clay content values may be used to delimit g kg-1 on plot 3; and from 368 to 698 g kg-1 on plot 4. The type of planter determined the number management zones on the field, where the depth of seed placing in the planting process can be regulated in different ways.
Highlights
IntroductionState of Paraná, is leader in grain yields and state-of-the-art farming technology
The region of Campos Gerais, in theState of Paraná, is leader in grain yields and state-of-the-art farming technology
Precision Agriculture (PA) is defined as a production management system; it is based on process optimization, and considers spatial variability and correlated factors (MOLIN, 1997)
Summary
State of Paraná, is leader in grain yields and state-of-the-art farming technology. No-tillage system is widely adopted, and precision agriculture techniques are gradually being established. Precision Agriculture (PA) is defined as a production management system; it is based on process optimization, and considers spatial variability and correlated factors (MOLIN, 1997). The division of the crop field in smaller areas, or management zones, based on variables that affect grain yield is an alternative to minimize the effects of variability. Some studies show a correlation between grain yield and soil physical characteristics (SWAN et al, 1987; BAKHSH et al, 2000). The planting process is a source of variability, and the control over this process is a form of PA accessible to most farmers. Accuracy and precision during the planting process increase production rates and reduce the input
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