INFLUENCE OF TIMES AND METHODS OF BLACK OAT MANAGEMENT ON CORN DEVELOPMENT AND YIELD

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of management times and methods of black oat straw on corn crop development and yield under a no-tillage system for two crop seasons. A randomized block design was used with twelve treatments. They were arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme with four replications, consisting of a combination between three methods (crushed, rolled, and desiccated) and four times (0, 10, 20, and 30 days before corn sowing). Black oat was evaluated for dry matter, while corn was for plant final population, height, stem diameter, ear insertion height, ear diameter, ear length, grain number per row, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield. All management methods and times interfered with corn crop yield components, but not all influenced final production. The method with the largest final corn population was not the same with an improved ear development. Such findings, however, may not be the same under highly favorable weather conditions.