Effects of surface application of gypsum in corn intercropped with jack bean (Canavalia eusiformis) with different soil penetration resistance

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate production components, yield of maize intercropped with jack bean and soil resistance to penetration using different doses of gypsum. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in split plots with four replications and was carried out during season 2013/2014. The main plots were maize intercropped with jack beans and maize sown alone, and the subplots were six doses of gypsum (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 t ha-1). Thirty days before maize sowing gypsum doses were manually applied to soil surface. The spacing between rows was 0.70 m, 4.2 sowing seeds per meter. Jack bean was manually sown two days after maize was sown in inter-row spacing. Production components and maize yield were assessed. After maize harvest, soil resistance to penetration was assessed. Gypsum doses promoted linear increases in the stem diameter of maize. Maize intercropping with jack bean (Canavalia eusiformis) did not affect the maize components of production and productivity, but reduced the soil penetration resistance. Rates of agricultural gypsum did not influence the productivity; however, it promoted a reduction in SPR at dose of 2.0 t ha-1.