Influência de plantas de cobertura na produtividade do milho (Zea mays L.) no brejo paraibano, Brasil

Maize productivity can be limited by unfavorable soil conditions and low water availability, making it necessary to adopt management practices that promote soil moisture conservation and nutrient use. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different cover crops on the yield components and grain yield of three maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes in the Brejo region of Paraíba, Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the Olho D’Água Experimental Farm, which belongs to the Center for Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba (CCA/UFPB), in Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. A randomized complete block design was used in a 3 × 6 factorial arrangements, with four replications. The AG-1051, Robusta, and Pontinha genotypes were evaluated on residues of Brachiaria ruziziensis, Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria juncea, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.), in addition to a control treatment without soil cover. The absence of soil covers reduced ear weight, whereas C. juncea and pigeon pea residues favored this yield component. The highest grain yield was obtained with the AG-1051 genotype grown on C. juncea residues. Under the conditions evaluated, maize yield depended on the combination of genotype and cover crop species, with better performance associated with legumes.