Yield of maize grown in succession to green fertilization

Abstract

The use of previous crops which have the capacity of supplying nitrogen to maize by symbiotic fixation or nutrient recycling is important to yield maintenance. This study aimed at evaluating the yield of maize grown in succession to green fertilization. A completely randomized blocks design was used with four replications and the following treatments: maize grown on black oat, black oat + oilseed radish, black oat + white lupin, white lupin, crambe, spontaneous vegetation (fallow ground) and spontaneous vegetation (fallow ground) + topdressing nitrogen fertilization. Concerning grain yield, significant differences were observed among treatments. The maize grown on black oat + white lupin straw reached the highest yield (10,817 kg ha-1), resulting in a higher income and differing from the one grown on black oat and crambe straw and spontaneous vegetation. The use of white lupin, black oat + white lupin and black oat + oilseed radish showed to be a viable alternative for a higher grain yield, making the topdressing nitrogen fertilization unnecessary.

Keywords

• Zea mays L.
• cover crops
• nitrogen fertilization