Doses and ways of application of pig slurry compost in organic production system of corn and common bean

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out from 2007 to 2012 in Chapecó (27º08’ S and 52º37’ W), State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, to evaluate the effect of composted swine manure on corn and common bean yields in an organic production system. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks in split plots and four replications. In the main plots forms of compost application (with or without incorporation) were tested, and in the subplots compost rates (0, 2, 4 and 8t/ha). The following crop rotation was used: corn/black oats – common bean/off season corn. Only the spring crops (corn and common bean) received the application of the compost. The utilization of the compost increased the grain yield of corn and common bean in all the years. Corn and common bean yields exhibited a linear response to increasing compost rates. No difference was observed in corn yield between the application methods of the compost. However, the yield of common bean was significantly higher when the compost was incorporated. Black oats and the late corn responded positively to the residual effect of the compost applied to the previous culture.