This work evaluated the influence of chisel plow operation over time on the structure of a no-tillage soil, as well as their effects on corn productivity and vegetable covering formation. The study was developed using a soil classified as Ultissoil, in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks in split-plot portions, with the portions being the soil management factor (carried out under no-tillage system and soil prepared with chisel plow) and the split-plot the evaluation period factor (4 and 18 months after soil was prepared with chisel plow), with four replications. The results indicated that the chisel plow action, after the 4-month period, significantly reduced the resistance of the soil to penetration, down to the performance depth of the soil furrow made by the chisel plow (0.30 m). After the 18 month period, the effect of the chisel plow action on the resistance of the soil to penetration took place only in the superficial layer of the soil (0.05 and 0.10 m). In the area cultivated under no-tillage, the effect of chisel plow action on the resistance to penetration tends to disappear in a period of 1.5 years. The amount of dry matter in the soil surface under no-tillage was 30% higher in the soil prepared with chisel plow over the 4-month period.
no-tillage; mechanical resistance; vegetable covering; corn culture
