Several studies related to potassium fertilization in Brazil indicate lack of response to this nutrient. However, most of these surveys were conducted in soils with K levels from medium to high, Another aspect that should be considered is the presence of cover crops, which may affect the response to this nutrient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of K2O levels associated with ground cover with 'Marandu' grass (bread grass) on corn yield and soil K content. The experiment consisted of 8 treatments established in a randomized block design in a split plot arrangement. Each dose of K2O (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1), in the form of potassium chloride, corresponded to a plot and the subplots were formed by the presence or absence of bread grass straw. In the soil with low K content, corn yield response was noticed, regardless the presence of bread grass straw. Surface application of potassium fertilizer, with or without straw, increases the soil K levels, even in deeper layers. The use of bread grass as a cover crop increases the potassium fertilization efficiency, with a consequent increase in corn yield.
K2O doses; exchangeable K; Zea mays; Brachiaria brizantha
