Effect of grazing intensities and seed furrow openers on corn development and yield in a crop-livestock system

Abstract

Grazing intensity determines both agricultural and livestock production and may shift the crop-livestock system either in a positive or negative direction. High grazing intensity may affect soil physical-chemical and biological traits, affecting a no-tillage system and as a result, reduce crop yields. These effects can be mitigated by the use of a no-till seed planter equipped with different furrow openers that can interact to optimize crop yield. This study aimed to evaluate grazing intensities and seed furrow openers on corn crop development and yield in an integrated crop-livestock system. The experiment was laid out as random block design in a split-plot arrangement with four replications. Black oat + ryegrass grazing intensities were characterized by different pasture sward management, with the entrance of grazing animal at pasture heights of 25, 30, and 35 cm and exit at heights of 5, 10, and 15 cm, respectively. Grazing was a rotational basis with a treatment without grazing as a control. After the grazing period, corn was established using two seed furrow openers (double disc and shank) in the sub-plot level. Soil bulk density was evaluated before and after the grazing period as well as the depth of seed deposition, corn plant development, corn yield components and yield. Soil bulk density increased as grazing intensity increased. Corn yield dynamics were affected by grazing intensity and the type of seed furrow opener

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