The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of mechanical and chemical management of oat straw and of sowing dates of maize after oat desiccation on maize grain yield and on alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea Link) infestation. In 1997/98, treatments were composed by two mechanical management systems of oat (rolled or not) and bare area as the control, by two herbicides (glyphosate and paraquat) applied to desiccate oat straw and by two maize sowing dates after desiccation (one and 15 days). In the 1998/99 growing season, five management systems of oat straw (rolled, cleared and desiccated with glyphosate, glufosinate and paraquat) and a bare area used as check were tested. Delay of maize sowing date in 15 days after oat straw desiccation increased N accumulation, dry matter production per plant and grain yield of maize. Maize grain yield in succession to oat was not influenced by management system of oat straw. Rolling oat straw provided the best control of alexandergrass infestation.
Zea mays; Avena strigosa; Brachiaria plantaginea; desiccation; crop management
