The major problem of implementation of direct seeding in the Northeast is the phytomass production and accumulation on the soil surface. There is a necessity to develop cropping systems for the Northeast region, which produce large quantities of phytomass, to stay for longer time on the soil surface, providing protection to the soil. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of phytomass production of different cropping systems and its influence on corn yield in the microregion of Guarabira - PB. Six cropping systems were installed: tillage with maize (SD); tillage with corn+velvetbean (SDM); tillage with maize+pigeonpea (SDG); tillage with corn+ velvetbean+pigeonpea (SDGM); tillage with corn+broad bean (SDF); and no tillage with corn+ velvetbean+broad bean (SDFM); with and without NPK fertilizer, were evaluated for 9 years. The percentage of crop cover and the phytomass accumulation on the soil and yield of corn were evaluated. The mineral fertilizer and legumes provided increases ranging between 22% and 49% of corn grain yield among tillage systems. Over the years, crop systems promoted stock biomass with increases of up to 76% on the soil surface, and although the precipitation is a limiting factor for biomass production, the use of legumes and fertilization with NPK mineral systems cultures facilitated the implementation of no-till system in this region.
productivity; pulses; maize
