ABSTRACT
Organic matter (OM), especially its fractions, is an indicator of soil quality and in agriculture is related to the input of plant material from cultivation. In this context, the adoption of management systems that increase the supply of OM would consequently improve soil quality. In this work therefore, changes in the levels of OM and humic substances were evaluated in a eutroferric Red Latossol, cultivated with cover plants rotated with maize and soybean. In 2010, Mucuna deeringiana,Cajanus cajan and Crotalaria juncea were planted as cover crops under a no-till system. In 2011, the maize was planted together with the cover crops Brassica napus,Crambe abyssinica and Raphanus sativus, followed by the soybean. The levels of OM and carbon in the humic fractions were determined prior to planting, after management of the cover crops, and after the crop harvest. In the 2010/2011 crop year, after management of the leguminous cover crops, changes were seen in the total concentrations of humic substances in the soil. From 2011 to 2012 there was an increase in carbon content and a change in the levels of fulvic acids. The cover plants therefore provided more carbon for the fulvic acid fraction that contributes to aspects of soil fertility (CEC). A management with cover crops of legumes and brassicaceae, and the cultivation of maize and soybean, increased the SOM content over a short period. The management was considered suitable for the conditions of this study.
Key words:
Green fertiliser; Soil organic matter; No-till system
