REDUCING EROSION IN SORGHUM CROPS WITH MULCHING

• Main Authors: THAIS EMANUELLE MONTEIRO DOS SANTOS SOUZA, ELISÂNGELA PEREIRA GONÇALVES, DJALMA SILVA PEREIRA, LUANA MENEZES DOS SANTOS, LÍVIA SANTOS MACHADO, EDIVAN RODRIGUES DE SOUZA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido 2018-01-01
• Series: Revista Caatinga
• Online Access: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=237158167023

Researches evaluating the use of mulch has contributing to optimize soil management towards sustainability, and improving soil quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of mulching on the reduction of erosion in a soil with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) crops subjected to simulated rainfall and increased soil organic carbon. The experiment was carried out from August to December 2013 under field conditions, using a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of sorghum with mulch, using the local vegetation available in the area; and sorghum without mulch. Simulated rainfalls were performed in three different periods of the crop cycle (initial, intermediate, and final), using a rainfall simulator. The use of mulch in soils with sorghum crops was efficient in improving soil water retention in all phases of the crop, and maintaining soil moisture during the rainfall intervals used, resulting in the absence of plant water loss, and greater contribution to soil organic carbon.