Variabilidade espacial da resistência mecânica do solo à penetração em sistemas de plantas de cobertura de inverno

Abstract

Soil resistance to penetration is a quantifying physical attribute of compaction. Thus, its quantification is important in maintaining soil quality, especially in the no-tillage system. In this sense, the present work aimed to evaluate the soil resistance to penetration and its spatial variability, in different systems of winter cover crops. Soil resistance to penetration to a depth of 0.40 m was evaluated in 9 different systems of winter cover crops. To quantify the spatial dispersion, CV values ​​were classified as follows: CV<12% for low variability; 12%<CV<60% for medium variability and CV>60% for high variability. For purposes of spatialization of the results, thematic maps were made using the Gs+ software. Penetration resistance had a varied behavior depending on the cover crop systems and the depths observed. The Oat + Vetch + Rye intercropping provided the lowest values ​​of this variable up to a depth of 0.25m, while the forage radish showed the lowest penetration resistance values ​​below 0.25m. On the other hand, the systems with Black Oat reduced the spatial variability of soil resistance to penetration. The use of cover crops in intercropping is a viable alternative for soil decompaction and protection. The fallow system had the lowest moisture content, due to the smaller amount of green mass produced by volunteer plants in the area. The quantification of soil resistance to penetration is an important tool for defining strategies to reduce soil compaction.