Abstract

PIETRARELLI, L et al. Efectos de un cultivo de cobertura invernal consociado sobre la dinámica hídrica y la producción del cultivo estival en la región central de Córdoba, Argentina. Agriscientia [online]. 2014, vol.31, n.1, pp.43-48. ISSN 1668-298X.

Introducing cover crops is an agroecological practice that could contribute to reduce the problems generated by simplified production schemes. The effects of a consociated winter cover crop of Vicia dacycarpa and Trititicum secale were studied in relation to water dynamics and yield in soybean. The experience was developed in agricultural production systems, of the town of Lozada (Córdoba, Argentina). The experimental design was a randomized complete block (three production systems) with two treatments: fallow or cover crops in soybean - soybean sequences. Gravimetric and volumetric moisture, soil available water and percentage of available water to 100 cm were calculated at the sowing of the cover crops, at cover crops killing, and at soybean sowing. Above-ground biomass production by cover crop and subsequent soybean crop was determined. Water use by cover crops did not affect the soybean crop production. With sufficient spring rainfall, an acceptable accumulation of cover crop biomass and a more efficient profile recharge are achieved at the time of sowing of the summer crop.

Keywords : Cover crops; Water dynamics; Soybean monoculture; Agroecological practice.