Abstract

The intensive use of the soil, associated with the application of chemical fertilizers, contribute to degradation processes that affect soil quality and crop production. The use of techniques that contribute to soil conservation and reduction of external inputsis important for the success of the agriculture, and hedging is an alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytomass production nutrient accumulation and contents, as well as rate of decomposition of different species used as cover plants. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with nine treatments distributed in three blocks. The treatments were: Canavalia ensiformes (L.) DC., Crotalaria spectabilis Roth, Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don., Crotalaria juncea L., Dolichos lablab L., Stizolobium niveum (Roxb.) Kuntze, Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy, Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A. Lackey and Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. The most recommended species as cover plants are C. ochroleuca and C. spectabilis for they produce more dry matter on the tops, 5.89 and 4.04 kg ha^-1, in addition to greater accumulation of nutrients. C. ochroleuca and C. spectabilis had higher accumulation of N, P, K, Mg and S, and soil coverage with those species can be a good source of green manure. The recommended species for the highest coverage rate are: N. wightii; S. niveum and S. aterrimum. The recommended species for the lowest rate of decomposition are: S. aterrimum; S. niveum; P. glaucum and C. ochroleuca (0.245; 0.260; 0.264 and 0.276% month^-1).

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