Methods of establishment of Setaria on low grassy plains

Abstract

The study was carried out at Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil, with the objective of evaluating the effect of sowing methods associated with sowing rates on the establishment of Setaria sphacelata on low grassy plains. The sowing methods were: M₁ = Broadcast sowing; M₂ = Broadcast sowing followed by seed incorporation; M₃ = Broadcast sowing on previously compacted soil; M₄ = Broadcast sowing followed by soil compaction; and M₅ = Broadcast sowing in furrows. The sowing rates were: 1,0 kg/ha; D₂ = 3,0 kg/ha and D₃ = 5,0 kg/ha of viable seeds. The experimental design was of randomized blocks in split plots. The highest plant populations of setaria were obtained when the sowing rate D₃ was associated with either M₂, M₄ or M₅. Irrespective of the sowing method, D₃ resulted in higher dry matter yield of weeds. Sowing in furrows favored production of dry matter of both setaria and weeds. The poorest production of dry matter of setaria was obtained when the sowing rate D₁ was associated with M₁ or M₃.