Effect of soil compaction on the initial development of corn

Abstract

Corn is one of the oldest crops of great economic and social importance, used in human and animal food and in various industries. In 2022/2023, world production was 1,155.6 million tons, with a forecast of 1,235.7 million for 2023/2024. Brazil, the third largest producer in the world, with around 130 million, is also the largest exporter. Corn productivity faces challenges such as soil compaction, especially in the cerrado, which reduces root growth and nutrient absorption, negatively impacting production. The research sought management practices to mitigate these effects, varying according to the type of soil, species and level of compaction. The research was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of soil compaction in the initial phase of corn cultivation. This is a descriptive, explanatory research, experimental and field study, carried out in Porto Nacional – TO, through four treatments and five replications, with soil subjected to different compactions (0, 50, 100 and 150kg) by hydraulic press. For compaction, a hydraulic press was used, subjected to weights of 50 kg for Treatment A, 100 kg for Treatment B and 150 kg for Treatment C and Treatment D test 0 kg, The TD treatment presented the highest average values for plant height (AP), shoot dry matter (MSPA) and mean root dry matter (RMS), reaching 40%, 17% and 4.2%, respectively, these results indicate that the Proper management of soil compaction conditions is essential to optimize plant development.