Shoot and root development of brachiaria grass (Urochloa ruziziensis) under different levels of soil density

Abstract

For mitigation of negative effects of human activities on the soil density, the use of cover crops in no-tillage system (NTS) has been strongly recommended. This study aims to evaluate the shoot and root development of Urochloa ruziziensis subjected to soil density levels in dystrophic Oxisol. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with a completely randomized design, with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of U. ruziziensis submitted to five levels of soil density (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 Mg m -3 ), twenty experimental units in total. The Urochloa ruziziensis showed reduced plant height, leaf area and number of leaves with increasing soil density, resulting in morphological and physiological changes from densities higher than 1.6 Mg m -3 . However, these results demonstrate the ability of this species to break the compacted ground and form biopores. The Oxisols value of 1.4 Mg m -3 is restrictive for the plant growth and development.