Melhoramento das condições físicas de um argissolo de são luís e seu efeito sobre o desenvolvimento do algoáoèiro(Gossypium hirsutun)

Abstract

With the objective to evaluate techniques of improvement of the physical conditions of the soil, that contemplate the stabilization of the macropores and favor the growth the cotton plant, in a Argissolo of the island of São Luís was installed, in February of 1999, in the experimental field of the Technological Nucleus of Agricultural Engineering of the State University of the Maranhão, a test in randomized blocks in a 4 x 2 factorial design, to cultivate IAC 22, with four repetitions of the following treatments: C2A = mulching, spaces of 2m between hedge, tillage; C2D = mulching, spaces of 2m between hedge, direct plantation; C2,5A = mulching, space of 2,5m between hedge, tillage; C2,5D = mulching, spaces of 2,5m between hedge, direct plantation; C3A = mulching, spaces of 3m between hedge, tillage; C3D = mulching, space to of 3m between hedge, direct plantation; SA = no mulching, tillage; SD = no mulching, with direct plantation. Was evaluated the physical properties: density, porosity and capacity of aeration; the physiological indices: leaf area index, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate; and the number of ffuits. The results allowed the followings conclusions that the techniques of tillage and the mulching associates reveal efficient for the till levei of the Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo, provide improvements in the physical properties, physiological index of the cotton plant. Key-word: Alley cropping; mulching, tillage, Gossypium hirsutun and physical soil properties