ABSTRACT: Lowlands have been cultivated with irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) in a monoculture cropping system for more than a century in southern Brazil. Shallow topsoil with high bulk density and deficient water infiltration favors the of production paddy rice; however, this condition does not favor species non-tolerant to flooding or oxygen restriction. Thus, soil and irrigation management may be necessary to raise the rice-soybean (Glycine max) rotation systems to sustainable levels. We carried out a two-year field experiment to assess the effects of irrigation treatments and soil management on soil physical properties, soybean growth, and grain yield in lowland systems. The experiment comprised a randomized block design with two factors and three replications. The main factor comprised the following irrigation treatments: sprinkler; surface, and rainfed. Four soil managements composed the second factor: conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT), conventional tillage with raised-seedbed, and no-tillage with raised-seedbed. Soil physical properties, soil penetration resistance, crop parameters, grain yield and water productivity were evaluated. CT increased the soil penetration resistance near the soil surface layer. The highest soil bulk density at the 0.05-0.10 m layer in the CT reduces grain yield in rainfed soybean compared to NT. Supplementary irrigation increased soybean yield of about 36 % in years of uneven rainfall distribution. Sprinkler irrigation resulted in higher irrigated water productivity (90 %) compared to surface irrigation, contributing to a more sustainable increase in grain yield. Crop rotation in a no-tillage cropping scheme could improve the sustainability of diversified agriculture in lowlands.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar a variabilidade espacial da resistência do solo à penetração e na produtividade da cultura da soja, em área de várzea. Foram realizadas determinações de resistência do solo à penetração, em quatro profundidades (0 a 0,10 m; 0,11 a 0,20 m; 0,21 a 0,30 m e 0,31 a 0,40 m); umidade volumétrica do solo, em duas profundidades (0 a 0,20 m e 0,21 a 0,40 m); e produtividade da soja em uma área de 1,13 hectares, utilizando-se malha amostral de 10 x 10 m. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva. Realizou-se análise de correlação linear simples de Pearson (p≤0,05) e a dependência espacial foi avaliada pela análise de semivariogramas isotrópicos, utilizando os modelos: esférico, exponencial, linear e gaussiano. Os resultados indicaram que, a resistência do solo à penetração aumentou em profundidade, com valores restritivos ao crescimento radicular entre 0,05 e 0,35 m. Não se obteve correlação entre produtividade e resistência do solo à penetração sendo que, para os dados de resistência do solo à penetração, os semivariogramas não apresentaram uma região ascendente definida. Para as condições em que o experimento foi realizado, a malha amostral de 10 x 10 m utilizada foi adequada para avaliar a variabilidade espacial da resistência do solo à penetração em profundidades superiores a 0,10 m.

ABSTRACT: This study determined the spatial variability of soil penetration resistance and yield of the soybean crop in lowland areas. The soil resistance to penetration at four different depths (0 to 0.10 m; 0.11 to 0.20 m; 0.21 to 0.30 m and 0.31 to 0.40 m), volumetric humidity of the soil at two depths (0 to 0.20 m and 0.21 to 0.40 m) and soybean yield were determined in an area of 1.13 hectares, using a sample mesh of 10 x 10 m. The corresponding data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Pearson’s simple linear correlation analysis (p≤0.05) was conducted and the spatial dependence was assessed by analyzing the isotropic semivariograms using spherical, exponential, linear, and Gaussian models. The results showed that the soil penetration resistance increased with depth, with restrictive values to root growth between 0.05 and 0.35 m. There was no correlation between yield and soil penetration resistance, and the semivariograms did not show a defined ascending region regarding the soil penetration resistance data. For the conditions under which the experiment was conducted, the sample 10 x 10 m mesh was suitable for assessing the spatial variability of soil resistance to penetration in depths exceeding 0.10 m.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do cultivo em camalhões associado à irrigação sobre a produtividade de soja (Glycine max) em rotação com arroz (Oryza sativa), em condições de terras baixas, no Sul do Brasil. Foram conduzidos experimentos em campo, em dois anos agrícolas (2014/2015 e 2015/2016), com dois sistemas de cultivo (camalhões e sem camalhões) e dois manejos de irrigação (irrigado e não irrigado). Foram avaliados uso de água, fixação biológica de nitrogênio e produtividade. O uso de água nos camalhões foi 14% (151 m3 ha-1) e 27% (163 m3 ha-1) menor que o no sistema sem camalhões, no primeiro e no segundo ano agrícola, respectivamente. A irrigação incrementou o número de nódulos por planta, a massa seca de nódulos e a fixação biológica de nitrogênio. A produtividade média no sistema com camalhões foi 10% (529 kg ha-1) e 9% (362 kg ha-1) maior que a no sistema sem camalhões em 2014/2015 e 2015/2016, respectivamente. A irrigação incrementou a produtividade em 5% (203 kg ha-1) e 7% (265 kg ha-1) em cada ano agrícola. O uso de camalhões associado à irrigação incrementa a produtividade de soja em rotação com arroz em terras baixas, no Sul do Brasil.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of raised seedbeds associated with irrigation on the yield of soybean (Glycine max) rotated with rice (Oryza sativa) in lowland conditions in Southern Brazil. Field experiments were conducted in two crop seasons (2014/2015 and 2015/2016), with two planting systems (raised seedbed and flat planting) and two irrigation managements (irrigated and nonirrigated). Water use, biological nitrogen fixation, and yield were evaluated. The water used for raised seedbeds was 14% (151 m3 ha-1) and 27% (163 m3 ha-1) lower than that for flat planting in the first and second crop seasons, respectively. Irrigation increased nodule number per plant, nodule dry weight, and biological nitrogen fixation. The average grain yield of the raised seedbed system was 10% (529 kg ha-1) and 9% (362 kg ha-1) higher than that of flat planting in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016, respectively. Irrigation improved yield by 5% (203 kg ha-1) and 7% (265 kg ha-1) in each crop year. The use of raised seedbeds associated with irrigation improves the yield of soybean grown in rotation with rice in lowland in Southern Brazil.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar métodos de cálculo da soma térmica e a duração das fases de desenvolvimento de arroz (Oryza sativa) de terras baixas irrigado por aspersão. O experimento foi realizado durante três anos agrícolas (2010/2011, 2011/2012 e 2014/2015), com cinco lâminas de irrigação, seis cultivares e quatro repetições. Seis métodos de cálculo da soma térmica foram avaliados: dois com a temperatura basal inferior; dois com as temperaturas basal inferior e ótima; e dois com as temperaturas basal inferior, ótima e superior. Para o cálculo da soma térmica, o ciclo de desenvolvimento da cultura foi dividido nas fases vegetativa, reprodutiva e de enchimento de grãos. Os métodos que utilizaram as três temperaturas cardinais apresentaram os menores coeficientes de variação na maioria das fases de desenvolvimento. Tanto as lâminas de irrigação quanto as cultivares de arroz influenciaram a soma térmica das fases de desenvolvimento. Quanto maior é a disponibilidade hídrica, menor é a duração do ciclo de desenvolvimento. Os valores de soma térmica dependem do método de cálculo.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate methods of thermal time calculation and the duration of the development stages of lowland rice (Oryza sativa) irrigated by sprinkling. The experiment was conducted during three growing seasons (2010/2011, 2011/2012, and 2014/2015), with five irrigation water depths, six cultivars, and four replicates. Six methods of thermal time calculation were tested: two using the minimum basal temperature; two using the minimum and optimum temperatures; and two using the minimum, optimum, and maximum basal temperatures. For the thermal time calculation, the crop development cycle was divided into the vegetative, reproductive, and grain-filling phases. The methods that used the three cardinal temperatures showed the lowest coefficients of variation for most of the developmental phases. Both irrigation water depths and rice cultivars affected the thermal time of the development stages. The greater the water availability, the lower the duration of the development cycle. Thermal time values depend on the calculation method.

ABSTRACT Rice monoculture in lowlands can cause problems for management practices in crop fields, for example, in weed control. For this reason, corn in rotation with irrigated rice in lowlands may be advantageous, despite problems with soil compaction and water excess. The objective of this study was to evaluate soil physical properties and corn performance in soil management systems in an Albaqualf soil (lowlands). Two experiments were conducted in the field, in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 crop seasons. The experimental design was randomized blocks with two factors. There were three levels for the first factor, consisting of soil management practices: soil chiseling 45 days before sowing to a depth of 0.3 m; conventional tillage with two diskings to a depth of 0.1 m and subsequent leveling of the soil; and no-till. The second factor was composed of two levels: sowing on raised seedbeds, and without raised seedbeds. The soil parameters of bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, volumetric moisture, and soil resistance to mechanical penetration (RP) were evaluated. The corn parameters were plant height, shoot dry matter, leaf area, height of the first ear of corn, grains per ear, and grain yield. Soil chiseling resulted in lower RP and higher macroporosity in the 0.1-0.2 and 0.2-0.3 m layers. In raised seedbeds, the 0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, and 0.10-0.20 m layers were lower in RP and bulk density. Moreover, higher soil macroporosity was observed in relation to the treatment without raised seedbeds. In general, the highest grain yields were found in the treatments with lower RP and higher macroporosity in the root system region. Increased porosity accelerated water drainage in the soil, reducing the time that soil airspace was filled with water, which is a limiting factor for root development. In Albaqualf soils, planting corn in chiseled soil provides higher corn yields compared to conventional tillage, and planting corn on raised seedbeds provides higher corn yields compared to the lack of raised seedbeds.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a escarificação mecanizada do solo e diferentes sulcadores, em semeadora, para cultivo de milho em Planossolos. Dois experimentos foram realizados em campo, em dois locais: Santa Maria e Formigueiro, RS. Um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso foi utilizado, com quatro repetições e tratamentos de escarificação do solo (ESC) e semeadura direta, com os seguintes sulcadores: haste sulcadora (HS), haste sulcadora e mecanismo de acomodação do sulco (HAS), disco duplo desencontrado (DD) e disco ondulado (DO). Em Santa Maria, foi adicionado o tratamento semeadura em camalhão com haste (CA). Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: densidade, porosidade e macroporosidade do solo; resistência do solo à penetração mecânica (RP); distribuição do sistema radicular; e produtividade de grãos. Em Formigueiro, os tratamentos ESC, HS e HAS resultaram em menor densidade e maior macroporosidade do solo, nas camadas de 0,05-0,10 e 0,10-0,20 m. A RP foi menor no tratamento ESC e no sulco da HS até 0,15 m, onde as raízes se desenvolveram melhor. A produtividade de grãos de milho em Planossolos é maior quando a semeadura é realizada sobre camalhão, solo escarificado ou semeadura direta, com haste sulcadora na semeadora.

Abstract: The objective this work was to evaluate deep tillage and different furrow opener seeders for growing corn in Planosols. Two experiments were carried out in the field, in two different locations: Santa Maria and Formigueiro, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A randomized complete block experimental design was used, with four replicates, and treatments of deep tillage (DP) and no-till, using different seed-furrow openers: shank (SH); shank plus furrow accommodation mechanism (SHA); double disk (DD); and notched disk (ND). In Santa Maria, the raised-bed treatment using shank was added (RBS). The following parameters were evaluated: soil bulk density, porosity, and macroporosity; soil penetration resistance (RP); root system distribution; and grain yield. In Formigueiro, the DP, SH, and SHA treatments resulted in lower bulk density and higher soil macroporosity in the 0.05-0.10 and 0,10-0.20-m soil depths. The RP was lower in the DP treatment and in the furrow of the SH treatment until 0.15 m, where roots developed better. Corn grain yield in Planosols is greater when sowing is carried out using raised bed, deep tillage, or no-till using shank in the seeder.

ABSTRACT A compacted subsurface soil layer can be a limiting factor for soybean growing, reducing soybean yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different tillage systems on the physical properties of two Albaqualf soils of the Central Plains region in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Two experiments were conducted: one in Santa Maria, RS, during the 2013/14 and 2014/15 crop seasons, and another in Formigueiro, RS, during the 2013/14 crop season. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used. The treatments were: sowing using an offset double disc (T1); sowing using a fluted coulter disc (wavy disc with 12 waves) (T2); sowing with a knife runner opener (T3); sowing with a knife runner opener + press wheel mechanism for ground levelling (T4); sowing using a furrow opener upon a raised bed (T5); and chisel plough + sowing using an offset double-disc (T6). In the 2014/15 growing season, the T4 factor was changed using a knife runner opener 0.05 m from the planting row. A smaller reduction in the compacted subsurface soil layer was observed for both T1 and T2, which exhibited high soil bulk density values for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 crop seasons. Furthermore, T3, T5 and T6 led to a reduction in bulk density, and increasing total porosity and macroporosity in the soil, which consequently increased water infiltration, water storage capacity, and crop yield in areas with the presence of a compacted subsurface soil layer.

O Estado do Rio Grande do Sul é o maior produtor de arroz irrigado do País, com destaque para a região da Fronteira Oeste. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar propriedades físicas do solo e a produtividade de arroz irrigado por inundação em plantio direto e convencional, em níveis de palha residual de arroz em plantio direto. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro experimentos e 10 repetições nos experimentos 1, 2 e 3 e seis no experimento 4. Os sistemas de manejo foram: experimento 1 (E1), sistema PD (E1PD) e sistema convencional com duas gradagens na camada de 0-7 cm + remaplan (E1C), em área de um ano de cultivo de arroz, após sete anos de pousio do cultivo de arroz e semeadura de azevém no inverno, com pastejo animal o ano todo; experimento 2 (E2), sistema PD (E2PD) e sistema convencional (E2C), após campo nativo; experimento 3 (E3), sistema PD (E3PD) e sistema convencional (E3C), após plantio direto de arroz irrigado durante dois anos em área de campo nativo; e no experimento 4 utilizaram-se quatro níveis de palha residual antes da semeadura do arroz. A produtividade de arroz irrigado por inundação não diferiu entre os sistemas plantio direto e convencional. A massa seca residual do arroz antes da semeadura não influenciou a produtividade de arroz irrigado por inundação.

The State of Rio Grande do Sul is the greatest producer of flooded rice of Brazil, concentrated mostly along the western border. The objective was to evaluate soil physical properties and flooded rice yield in no-till and conventional tillage systems and rice straw levels in no-till system. The study consisted of four experiments (E), laid out in experimental design was completely randomized blocks, with four experiments (E) and 10 repetitions in experiment 1, 2 and 3 and 6 in experiment 4. The management system in E1 consisted of no-till (E1PD) and conventional tillage with two harrowings (layer 0.0-0.07) m after levelling (E1C), on soil where rice had been gown for one year followed by seven years of fallow, with rye grass sowing in the winter and grazing all year long; E2: no-till (E2PD) and conventional tillage (E2C), after native grassland; E3: no-till (E3PD) and conventional tillage (E3C) after no-tillage rice for two years on a native grassland area; E4: four rice straw levels had been used before rice sowing. The yield of flooded rice did not differ between no-till and conventional tillage. The residual dry mass of rice before sowing did not influence the flooded rice yield.