Abstract
The intensive use of the soil, associated with the application of chemical fertilizers, contribute to degradation processes that affect soil quality and crop production. The use of techniques that contribute to soil conservation and reduction of external inputsis important for the success of the agriculture, and hedging is an alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytomass production nutrient accumulation and contents, as well as rate of decomposition of different species used as cover plants. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with nine treatments distributed in three blocks. The treatments were: Canavalia ensiformes (L.) DC., Crotalaria spectabilis Roth, Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don., Crotalaria juncea L., Dolichos lablab L., Stizolobium niveum (Roxb.) Kuntze, Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy, Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A. Lackey and Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. The most recommended species as cover plants are C. ochroleuca and C. spectabilis for they produce more dry matter on the tops, 5.89 and 4.04 kg ha-1, in addition to greater accumulation of nutrients. C. ochroleuca and C. spectabilis had higher accumulation of N, P, K, Mg and S, and soil coverage with those species can be a good source of green manure. The recommended species for the highest coverage rate are: N. wightii; S. niveum and S. aterrimum. The recommended species for the lowest rate of decomposition are: S. aterrimum; S. niveum; P. glaucum and C. ochroleuca (0.245; 0.260; 0.264 and 0.276% month-1).
Highlights
The Brazilian Northeast region is characterized by its climatic variability, which, alongside the reduced vegetation coverage, favors the erosive process, reducing the physical, chemical and biological quality of the soil
Greater soil coverage was attributed to the species with prostrate/climbing habit, S. niveum, S. aterrimum and D. lablab—100; 90.95 and 87.50%, respectively
The most recommended species to be used as cover plants are: C. ochroleuca and C. spectabilis, since they produce more dry matter on the tops, 5.89 and 4.04 kg ha-1, and showed greater accumulation of nutrients
Summary
The Brazilian Northeast region is characterized by its climatic variability, which, alongside the reduced vegetation coverage, favors the erosive process, reducing the physical, chemical and biological quality of the soil. The use of cover crops has become an efficient practice in keeping the soil covered for longer, as well as promoting the improvement of chemical and physical properties, in addition to keep the soil protected against rainfall impacts. Knowing the importance of cover crops in the rotation or succession of cropsin semi-arid regions, is essential for the intensive use of the soil, high temperature, low precipitation and high evaporation, cover plants can be an important allied to reduce these factors. In the northeastern region of Brazil, there are already studies with cover plants, it is necessary to know more about the contribution of phytomass, accumulation of nutrients and decomposition of the material. Among the factors that may contribute to the successful use of these plants are the cycle, climatic conditions and morphological characteristics
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