Alterações químicas no solo sob diferentes consórcios de segunda safra no ecótono Cerrado-Amazônia

Abstract

Over the past decade, Brazil has seen its soybean production double, surpassing the global growth rate of 48% and the 27% increase recorded in other countries. This expansion, a 58% increase predominantly in the Cerrado regions, has been driven by government incentives and market demands. The advance of soybean cultivation has primarily occurred on pasturelands, reducing the opening of new areas, and is supported by the two to three-crop system, which also benefits other crops such as corn, cotton, and beans. Brazilian soybean is largely grown in chemically poor soils, making the use of direct planting essential for proper soil management and water conservation. About 80% of soybean areas use direct planting, with over 95% among the most technologically advanced producers. Soil management practices and improvements, including the use of cover crops, are crucial for enhancing soil structure and health, increasing carbon content, and productivity. Forage grasses, such as those in the Urochloa genus, are notable for their ability to form dense vegetation covers that protect the soil and promote sustainable agriculture. Legumes, such as pigeon pea, cowpea, among others, are also important for enriching the soil through nitrogen fixation. However, the limited use of cover crops in the Cerrado due to climatic conditions necessitates the selection of resilient species and the implementation of strategies to optimize their benefits. Further research is needed to identify which cover crops can improve soil quality in the Cerrado, considering different production systems.