Effects of soil tillage systems and ways of applying fertilizers on soybean production

Abstract

The effects of different soil tillage systems and methods of fertilizers application were studied on soybean production following wheat grown on conventional tilled soil. The experiments were conducted in a dark red latosol, clay textured soil, during the years 1971, 1972, and 1973. Significant differences were observed among the soil tillage systems. Minimum tillage showed higher productivity than the conventional tillage system and minimum tillage, with two disc harrowings (levelers) was the best treatment during the three years. Under minimum tillage systems, the soybean plants present a high root concentration in the most superficial layer of the soil, which has a high level of fertility, possibly the reason for the present results.