Lasting effect of Urochloa brizantha on a common bean-wheat-maize rotation in a medium-term no-till system

Grass intercropping under no-till is an option to increase crop residues on the soil surface and diversity. Urochloa spp. frequently selected for improve land use agricultural production because of its high residue production, slow decomposition, as well vigorous, abundant, deep root system. However, effects maize, especially residues, subsequent crops in rotation have not been established. To address this knowledge gap, a field experiment was carried out over 5 years (from 2014 2018) comprising 2 maize monocropping or 3 (common bean-wheat-common bean-wheat-maize). We evaluated medium-term monocropped intercropped with brizantha fertility development, yields, grain nutrient accumulation common bean, wheat, crops. The cultivation U. system improved at least 4 years, increases pH; organic matter (SOM); phosphorus (P); exchangeable potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg); sulfur (S–SO 2− ); cation exchange capacity (CEC); base saturation (BS) all depths. benefits extended dry distribution; 70–77% total roots were concentrated within depth 0.0–0.2 m. mass, yield components, yields years. These findings indicate that provides crops, improves cycling P; K, Ca, Mg; S–SO ; content.