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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Physiological and yield response in maize in cohesive tropical soil is improved through the addition of gypsum and leguminous mulch

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Author(s):
Moura, E. G. [1] ; Hallett, P. D. [2] ; Mooney, S. J. [3] ; Silva, F. R. [1] ; Macedo, V. R. A. [4] ; Aguiar, A. C. F. [5]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Maranhao, Agroecol Program, BR-65054970 Sao Luis, Maranhao - Brazil
[2] Univ Aberdeen, Sch Biol Sci, Aberdeen AB24 3UU - Scotland
[3] Univ Nottingham, Sch Biosci, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, Leics - England
[4] Inst Fed Educ Ciencia & Tecnol Piaui, Campus Urucui Rodovia PI 247, Km 7, S-N, BR-64860000 Portal Do Cerrado, Urucui - Brazil
[5] Univ Fed Maranhao, Biol Dept, BR-65080805 Sao Luis, Maranhao - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE; v. 158, n. 1-2, p. 57-64, MAR 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Tropical soils tend to harden during drying due to the generally low content of free-iron and organic carbon, combined with high fine sand and silt proportions. It was hypothesized that the change in soil physical condition induced by the addition of a leguminous mulch in cohesive tropical soil enriched with calcium may mitigate soil hardening through wetting and drying cycles by rain or irrigation, thereby improving the soil rootability. A leguminous mulch was added in different concentrations to a structurally fragile tropical soil enriched with calcium, which then had different irrigation intervals. The treatments were with or without mulch (10 t/ha), with or without added nitrogen (100 kg/ha at 2 intervals) and two irrigation intervals. In 2015 the irrigation intervals were either 4 or 8 days, and in 2016 they were either 6 or 9 days. Two years were used in the attempt to achieve greater differences, as for tested variables, between treatments. Maize planted in these soil treatments was measured for physiological performance, water use efficiency and yield. Mulch used on structurally fragile tropical soil enriched with calcium was found to delay increased penetration resistance from hardening by wet/dry cycles. In this context, an improved soil rootability led to an enlargement of the leaf area index, greater nitrogen uptake and increased CO(2)assimilation. This had important physiological consequences due to the positive effect on increased dry matter production and maize yield. In addition, these results suggested that mulch, used with urea, can delay the water supply for 3 or 4 days due to improvements in soil rootability caused by calcium and organic matter interactions. This may be crucial to a region where small intervals without rain are increasingly common due to global climate change. Therefore, due to a greater water use efficiency, this strategy may be a profitable way to increase crop productivity in tropical conditions rather than increasing water and nutrient application alone. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/50305-8 - A virtual joint centre to deliver enhanced nitrogen use efficiency via an integrated soil-plant systems approach for the UK & Brazil
Grantee:Ciro Antonio Rosolem
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants