Effect of soil tillage and nutrient sources on soil fertility and corn growth and production

Abstract

The general purpose of the tillage is to create a soil environment favorable to desired plant growth
and development. However, tillage effects on soil properties can be affected by nutrient application through mineral
and organic sources. This study was carried out at Epagri/Experiment Station of Campos Novos, in Santa Catarina
State, on a Typic Haplorthox soil, in order to evaluate long-term effect of using soil tillage systems, associated with
nutrient sources, on soil fertility and crop production. Soil tillage and nutrient sources had cumulative effect on
basic soil fertility properties. Lower soil fertility was observed in conventional tillage with residues removed from
the field. Soil tillage with crop residues on the field provided higher corn growth and production than others.
Greater corn growth and production with poultry litter and pig slurry are related to greater cumulative effect on
soil fertility until the tenth year, since greater amount of P and K were applied at seeding time by mineral fertilizers
in that year.