Synergistic Effects of Subsoil Calcium in Conjunction with Nitrogen on the Root Growth and Yields of Maize and Soybeans in a Tropical Cropping System

A large part of Brazilian maize is double-cropped after soybeans, when water shortages are very frequent. larger root system can mitigate drought stress and enable better nitrogen (N) use. Alleviating acidity applying gypsum increase growth N-use efficiency in maize, which has a more aggressive than soybeans. However, it not known how these factors interact integrated cropping systems, or soybeans respond to them. Soybean grain yields as affected by soil Ca enrichment using lime gypsum, along with the N rates applied intercropped Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), were assessed medium-term field experiment. Liming resulted greater for both crops; however, was used conjunction further enhanced. The total yield 35% higher compare control lime; subsoil increased soybean 8% compared control. Nitrogen fertilization 36%, expressive 160 kg ha−1 more, despite positive effect on long term, this response seems be direct maize. Both application system.