The objective of this paper was to evaluate the best timing for Brachiaria brizantha desiccation with glyphosate, aiming at transgenic soybean sowing. Different desiccation times were established (2.880 g ha-1 of glyphosate) ranging from 21 to zero days before soybean sowing, with one (1.080 g ha-1) or two (1.080 + 1.080 g ha-1 ) glyphosate applications in postemergence, respectively at 15 and 40 days. At five days after the first application and during flowering, foliate number and dry matter, dry matter of the remaining aerial part, roots, and radicular nodules were evaluated. During the same time, soil samples were collected to determine basal respiration rate and microbial biomass. At the end of the cycle, soybean grain yield was determined according to the different treatments. Soybean growth was affected by postemergence application of glyphosate, decreasing plant dry matter. Soybean development improved when glyphosate was used for desiccation between 7 and 21 days before sowing. Higher negative impact against microbial biomass occurred when desiccation and sowing were performed at the same day. Without glyphosate application, control grain yield decreased in more than 40%, and, on average, 23% on the plants that received the herbicide in postemergence.
soil microbial activity; Brachiaria brizantha; metabolic quotient; soil basal respiration
