Adaptability of lettuce cultivars to planting in no-tillage on straw of Urochloa ruziziensis

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the adaptability of different lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivars grown in no-tillage on straw of ruzi grass (Urochloa ruziziensis), as well as its effects on soil temperature and weed control, in successive cultivations in the summer. The treatments were carried out in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates, in a split-plot arrangement (2x4), in which soil management (no-tillage on ruzi grass and convention tillage) was the main plot, and the different crisphead lettuce cultivars (Amanda, Solaris, Vanda, and Vera), the subplots. No difference was observed between cultivars for soil management. No-tillage reduced the soil temperature by up to 3.7°C and weed density by 3.7 times, in comparison with conventional tillage. Ruzi grass promoted a greater bed conservation. In comparison to with conventional tillage, the no-tillage management of lettuce cultivated on ruzi grass straw resulted in a lower yield in the first crop due to excess straw; in a similar yield in the second crop; and in a greater yield in the third crop. Lettuce cultivated on ruzi grass straw in no-tillage management results in a greater sustainability, in comparison with conventional tillage, in three successive plantings.