Levels of resistance to soil penetration and root and aerial development with 3 agricultural crops

Abstract

The objective of the research was to analyze the resistance to soil penetration (RPS) and the root and aerial development of three agricultural crops (sunflower, canola and turnip) in an Oxisol in the Alto Paraná region, in order to evaluate the impact of these crops on soil compaction. An experimental design was used in randomized complete blocks with three treatments and five repetitions. The variables evaluated included RPS at two depths (0-10 cm and 11-20 cm), root length, root and aerial part biomass. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANAVA) and Tukey's test at 5% probability of error, in addition to a Pearson correlation analysis between RPS and root biomass. The study was carried out in an Oxisol, a type of soil common in the region, prone to compaction, which makes proper root development difficult. The results showed that sunflower had a lower RPS in the 0-10 cm surface layer, suggesting a positive effect on soil decompaction. Root and aerial biomass was higher in sunflower, while no significant differences were found in root length between crops. In conclusion, sunflower showed greater efficiency in reducing RPS in the surface layer, standing out as an option to mitigate soil compaction.