Productivity and phytotechnical parameters of corn grown on different cover plants

Brazilian agriculture faces the challenge of adopting sustainable practices that reduce costs and mitigate environmental impacts. The use of cover crops stands out as an efficient alternative to improve soil conditions and increase the productivity of subsequent crops. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different cover crops on the productivity and phytotechnical characteristics of corn. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with four replicates, considering the following treatments: sorghum (Sorghum sp.), brachiaria (Brachiaria ruziziensis), crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea), fallow and no cover. The production of green mass of the covers, plant height, stem diameter, number of grains per ear, 1000-grain weight and productivity were evaluated. Sorghum showed the highest biomass production (96,498.5 kg ha⁻¹), while fallow was the least efficient. Cover crops provided better corn performance in height, number of leaves, stalk diameter, productivity and thousand-grain weight, compared to areas without cover or fallow. Sunn hemp stood out for biological nitrogen fixation, while brachiaria and sorghum reduced weed infestation and improved water retention. In fallow or uncovered areas, corn had a stalk diameter up to 6.42 mm smaller and productivity reduced by up to 3,827.47 kg ha⁻¹, compared to the best treatments. The results demonstrate the benefits of cover crops, promoting sustainable management and increasing corn productivity and resilience, especially in regions with edaphoclimatic challenges.