This study evaluates the effect of machine traffic, soil mobilization, soil cover by crop residues and water supply on corn under no tillage on a Paleudult. Machine traffic intensity, working depth of driller shank furrow opener for fertilizer deposition and amount of residues covering the soil surface, with and without irrigation, were evaluated. The experimental design used was split plot, with 36 plots being 18 with irrigation and 18 without irrigation. The treatments were quantities (0, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8Mg ha-1) of black oats (Avena strigosa) and vetch (Vicia sativa) residues, two driller shank depths for fertilizer deposition (6 and 12cm) and traffic machine conditions (tractor and combine) in a triple factorial design with three replicates. Corn was sowed in 12/10/2005, using 62.000 seeds per hectare. A basal dressing of NPK 5-20-20 was applied at a rate of 400kg ha-1. Two top dressing nitrogen applications were performed, totalizing 180kg ha-1 of N. Corn grain yield, plant population and root dry matter were evaluated. Corn yield and plant population were influenced by presence or absence of irrigation. None of the above parameters were modified by working depth of driller shank furrow opener for fertilizer deposition. Wheel traffic conditions affected corn yield and plant population.
no tillage; controlled traffic; corn productivity; seed drill
