Influence of agroforestry system modalities on maize (Zea mays) yield in an Amazon ecosystem

Abstract

Corn is among the short-cycle annual species used in agroforestry systems due to its adaptation to intercropping. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the corn yield, cultivar BIO Z 2365, in two types of agroforestry systems. The experiment was carried out in a forestry agroforestry system in two treatments: mechanized with mineral fertilizer and semi-mechanized with organic fertilizer. The experiment was carried out in a forestry agroforestry system (AFSs), with two treatments, mechanized with mineral fertilizers (MEC) and semi-mechanized with organic fertilizers (SMEC). Each treatment was composed of four crop strips (4 x 24 m) distributed with plants arranged at a distance of 0.50 m between lines, totaling four plots per treatment. A random collection of 20 plants per strip was used, and different variables related to production were evaluated. The productivity was estimated using the EMATER and Reetz methods and by estimating the direct yield. The t-test was adopted to verify the difference between treatments. The mechanized system was superior for all the variables evaluated, obtaining average yield of 41.6 bags ha-1. In the semi-mechanized system, the average yield was 29.2 bags ha-1. The performance of cultivar BIO Z 2365 was better in the mechanized system. However, the results revealed that the cultivation of short-cycle crops, despite technological restrictions in the experimental area, can mean an increase in income for small producers or act in reducing the costs of the implementation and maintenance in agroforestry systems; operating as an agent of economic sustainability.