Spatial variability of soil physical attributes in integrated production systems in the Amazon region

Izabela De Lima Feitosa,Alexandre Martins Abdão Dos Passos,Marcelo Silva De Oliveira,Alaerto Luiz Marcolan,Henrique Nery Cipriani,Gustavo Mattos Vasques

doi:10.1590/s1678-3921.pab2019.v54.00324

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this work was to analyze the spatial variability of soil physical attributes in integrated production systems and its relationship with the growth and yield of a corn (Zea mays) crop intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha). The experiment was carried out in an integrated crop-livestock (ICL) system and in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) system, in a Plinthic Hapludox. The ICLF system was managed in alleys between eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) rows, spaced at 18, 30, and 42 m. Corn grain and forage yields were positively correlated with soil clay and moisture contents, whereas grain yield was negatively correlated with soil penetration resistance. The lowest corn plant heights and grain yields were observed near eucalyptus rows. The average values for soil penetration resistance were below 2.0 MPa. Spatial variability was verified for: corn plant height, grain yield, and agronomic efficiency; forage intercropping; and soil moisture and silt contents, as well as penetration resistance. Greater grain and biomass yields were obtained at a 42-m distance between tree rows. The obtained results are indicative that corn traits and soil physical attributes were only slightly associated. The spatial distribution of the eucalyptus rows influences the agronomic efficiency of the intercrop and soil moisture contents.

Highlights

Pastures in Northern Brazil represent 30% of the area with forages in the country (Almeida et al, 2016)
In the state of Rondônia, livestock plays a crucial role in economy, with more than 9.8 million heads of cattle distributed over approximately 6.0 million hectares of pastures (IBGE, 2018)
The objective of this work was to analyze the spatial variability of soil physical attributes in integrated production systems and its relationship with the growth and yield of a corn crop intercropped with palisade grass

Summary

Introduction

Pastures in Northern Brazil represent 30% of the area with forages in the country (Almeida et al, 2016). The sustainable land use by integrated crop-livestockforestry (ICLF) systems can promote environmental, social, and economic benefits by intensifying agricultural productivity in a same area (Balbinot Junior et al, 2009). This technology can improve soil fertility and increase productivity due to the diversification of agricultural activities, aggregating value to them via sustainability and, improving the quality of life of farmers (Balbino et al, 2011). Because of all these characteristics, integrated systems can enhance the “land-saving effect” of those activities, reducing the deforestation of tropical forest areas in the Amazon, for example (Vilela et al, 2012)

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Conclusion