STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL IN MAIZE AND FORAGE GRASS INTERCROPPING UNDER NO-TILLAGE IN THE BRAZILIAN CERRADO

ABSTRACT Integration of forage grasses with grain crops, such as maize, allows maintaining soil cover. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tensile strength, friability, and stability of soil aggregates in the maize and forage grass intercropping under no-tillage system. The study used a completely randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. Undisturbed soil samples were collected in two seasons (2015 and 2016) at 0–0.10 m and 0.10–0.20 m soil depth. The following properties of soil aggregates were measured: tensile strength (TS), friability (F), gravim...