AGRONOMIC RESPONSES TO THE INTENSIFICATION OF GRAIN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN DRYLAND FARMING OF CENTRAL MINAS GERAIS

This work aimed to evaluate the agronomic responses intensification of grain production systems under water restriction in central region Minas Gerias, Brazil. We studied six systems, including soybean and maize monocropping with medium investment maintenance fertilization, annual alternating these crops or high investment, inclusion not ruzigrass for straw increment. Soybean lose yield potential over time compared their cultivation. Greater fertilization soil built fertility does increase accumulated until fourth harvest. The intercropping can hamper lower fertilization. increases average residues formation soybean/maize system, approaching 8 t ha -1 year . After four crop seasons, differences chemical attributes are still evident due diversification / system.