A comparison of methods of handling precocious maize straw at the time of dry season common bean planting

Abstract

In this study, the following treatments of handling precocious maize straw, during the time of dry season common bean planting were compared in Leopoldina, MC, Brazil: a) maize planta erect: b) 'breaking over" maize planta after bean seeding; c) maize planta cut and piled in their own rows after bean seeding; d) maize plants cut in pieces 30 to 40cm long and scattered on the plot alter bean seeding; e) maize taken off from the plot, prepared with plow and harrow, before bean seeding. In treatment c, d, and e maize ears were harvested before bean planting, whereas in a and b both crops were harvested when the beans were mature. The delay in maize harvest, in treatments a and b, permitted a greater insect attack on the kemels. The best treatment, considering both crops, was c.