WEEDS SUPPRESSION AND AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MAIZE CROP UNDER LEGUMINOUS CROP RESIDUES IN NO-TILLAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

This trial aimed at testing the leguminous Mucuna deeringiana, Cajanus cajan and Stylosanthes capitata e macrocephala before corn development and weeds incidence. The leguminous species were sown in October 2007 with a control treatment without legumes (fallow) in 4 x 5 m plots with five replications each, totaling 20 plots. At 90 days, plants were grazed and maize, 15 days after grazing, was planted on the wastes. The seedling emergence and plants growth were evaluated, besides the weeds incidence during culture development. At last, the experimental design was completely randomized and the means were compared by Scott-Knott at test 5 % of significance. The studied cover plants showed an efficient control over weeds and did not interfere in a negative way on the maize crop. Thus, it is an alternative to the integrated management of species concerning the green manure and crop rotation in no-tillage system for the Western region of Paraná.