Short-term effects of Urochloa intercropped with corn on the structure properties of a soil under no-tillage

ABSTRACT The reduced crop diversity under no-tillage increases soil compaction and reduces soil quality. This study aimed to investigate whether intercropping corn and Urochloa has significant short-term effects on soil physical quality, as assessed by Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS), and its correlations with physical properties. Soil physical quality was assessed after corn and Urochloa intercropping and corn without Urochloa. The VESS, penetration resistance, bulk density, air-filled porosity, air permeability, pore continuity index, and water storage capacity were determined from 0.00 to 0.25 m depth in the Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico. Intercropping of Urochloa and corn resulted in lower VESS values and favorable soil physical properties. For Urochloa and corn, the VESS score was improved (score 1 to 2.9). In the absence of the Urochloa, a moderate VESS score was observed (3 to 3.9). The results showed significant relationships between VESS scores and soil physical properties. Our findings suggest that the cultivation of Urochloa intercropped with corn improves the physical quality of Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico, even in the short-term, 83 days after sowing, in a no-tillage system in a subtropical climate.