The objective of this work was to evaluate different sowing dates to maximize double-cropping (upland rice followed by either maize or sorghum) and evaluate the economica practicability of this production system in the region of Santa Maria, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Two experiments were conducted in the experimental field of the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Federal University of Santa Maria - RS, Brazil, during the 2001/2002 growing season. A randomized block design was used with four replications. Treatments of the first experiment were constituted of four sowing dates of upland rice: September 18, October 4, October 19 and November 5. The treatments of the second experiment were constituted of four sowing dates of maize and sorghum (after the harvest of the upland rice): January 28, February 8, February 20 and March 5. The upland rice sowing dates caused differences in grain yield and the maximum technical efficiency (5.80 Mg ha-1) was observed for the rice sown on October 13. The use of double-cropping cultivation in the southern half of Rio Grande do Sul the State upland rice followed by sorghum for the production of silage, for maximum retnans, the upland rice should be sown during de second half of September.
crop rotation; agricultural zoning; dry matter
