Uso de cobertura morta vegetal no controle da umidade e temperatura do solo, na incidência de plantas invasoras e na produção da cenoura em cultivo de verão

Abstract

The effects of different mulches were evalueted on carrot culture, cultivar Brasilia, in a experiment carried out at Marilia, São Paulo State, Brazil, from september to december/1998. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and size plots of 2 m2. Wood dust, wood chips, dry grass (Cynodon spp.), rice straw and control (soil without cover) were tested and their effects on the soil hidrothermal regime, weed control, growth and yield of carrot were determined. Mulching materials showed better carrots plants development, mild soil temperature (3,5°C less control trait) and better soil moisture (2,3% high control trait). Dry grass and wood chips showed lower weed infestation and dry grass, wood chips and wood dust increased carrot stand. Mulches with rice straw and wood increased carrot yield (112,6 e 99,6 t/ha respectively). Mulching use is technically and economically viable for carrot growing, mainly in small areas and in organic farms.