Plantas de cobertura para a cultura da soja no sistema ANTECIPE®

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most important crops in the world agricultural scenario, standing out for its high economic and nutritional value, being widely used in human and animal food due to its high protein content (about 40%) and lipids (about 20%). However, the presence of weeds in the cultivation areas represents one of the main limiting factors to crop productivity, competing for resources and serving as hosts for pests and pathogens. Faced with this challenge, it is essential to understand the dynamics of the soil seed bank, especially in no-tillage systems, where fallow can favor the emergence of invasive species. In this context, phytosociology is an essential tool to characterize the weed community, evaluating the composition, frequency and dominance of the species present. This work aims to synthesize the results of four experiments conducted at Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, which investigated sustainable practices with a focus on weed suppression, increased productivity and efficient use of cover crops in intercropping systems. The first study showed that fallow favors the accumulation of weed seeds in the soil, intensifying its negative impacts. The second work carried out a phytosociological survey in systems with intercropping of soybean and cover crops, identifying that the "Anticipate" and "Post" systems presented the lowest weed importance index, with emphasis on the UCU intercropping (Urochloaruziziensis + Cajanus cajan cv. Bonamigo + Urochloabrizantha cv. BRS Piatã) and RUS (Raphanus sativus + Urochloabrizantha cv. BRS Piatã + Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo-grande). The third study evaluated the nutritive value of cover crops, highlighting the consortium CMMS (Crotalaria breviflora + Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Tamani + Stylosanthesspp. cv. Campo-grande + Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Bela) as the most promising for forage use, due to its high content of crude protein and fiber. The fourth experiment investigated soybean yield under intercropping, observing that, although this variable did not undergo significant changes in the 2021/22 harvest, there was an increase in it in the 2023/24 harvest and in the height of pod insertion, favoring mechanized harvesting. The results demonstrate that the ANTICIPATE® early intercropping system, with sowing of cover crops during the soybean cycle, is a viable alternative to fallow. This practice contributes to the reduction of climate risks, favors weed management, improves physical and biological attributes of the soil, expands agricultural sustainability, and diversifies the ecosystem services generated in the area, promoting more efficient and resilient production systems.